The Typical Rhode Island
Problem Gambler
 Who
is affected by gambling problems—what does the typical problem
gambler in Rhode Island look like? The answer: there is no type.
The following statistics describe patients seen at the
Rhode Island Gambling Treatment Program from July 2005, through
February 2005:
- The average person seeking help was 46 years-old. Ages ranged
from from 17 to 74.
- A problem gambler was just as likely to be a woman (48%) as
a man (52%).
- Most problem gamblers were white (92%); 8% were minorities
(African American, 4%; Hispanic, 2%; Asian, 2%).
- Some clients are on public assistance while others are highly
successful professionals.
- Some are retired on social security or pensions.
- Most compulsive gamblers focus on one, and only one, type
of gambling: video slots. More about problem
forms of gambling
Types of problem gambling in patients
in the RI Gambling Treatment Program
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"Our patients are not usually chronic, lifetime gamblers,"
says program director Bob Breen, PhD. "In fact, on average,
they began gambling regularly at age 34, and have developed their
severe gambling problems by age 38. We believe that the rapid
development of gambling problems well into adulthood is a direct
result of the increased availability and acceptance of legal forms
of gambling, most particularly video slots."
How much financial damage can be done? "On average,
our patients had lost $76,000 through their gambling. They have
'maxed-out' credit cards, liquidated retirement savings accounts,
and borrowed from banks, credit unions and family members,"
Breen says.
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