The scope of this study was to determine what efforts have been directed at the adult offender population in Ontario and around the world to deal with gambling problems. The first component of the study was a review of published literature on addressing problem gambling within correctional populations. The second component was a series of interviews with experts in the field who have: (1) carried out interventions for problem gamblers in the correctional population, (2) have been involved with problem gambling treatment, (3) are familiar with programming for corrections populations, or (4) work in a policy or decision making capacity related to the correctional system.
There is a clear need and an apparent desire for programming among this population. However, only a small number of programs exist that are administered by specific treatment agencies for particular settings. Participants are most likely to respond positively to a voluntary program than a mandatory program. Due to stigma and confidentiality issues, an outside agency would be in a better position to offer services that are accepted by the offenders. Institutions have generally been very supportive of efforts for this population but there are still barriers to programming include difficulty dealing with institutional movement issues and lack of awareness of problem gambling in the criminal justice system.
