Health Risks of Proposed Casino Presented to Board of Health Tonight
Written by admin, March 13, 2013
March 13, 2013 – Studies Show Certain Populations At Higher Risk of Problem Gambling
At tonight’s Board of Health meeting, staff from Peterborough Public Health will present a report detailing the social and health effects of problem gambling to help inform the community as it debates whether a new casino should locate in Peterborough.
“The research is clear that problem gamblers are over-represented within certain populations including seniors, youth, First Nations people and people living on low incomes,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Peterborough boasts a large older adult population and the risks to gambling for this population are exacerbated by the limited amount of time that an older problem gambler would have to recoup their losses. In addition, older adults may already have chronic health issues that would be worsened by the stresses of problem gambling.”
The report, entitled The Potential Health Impacts of a Casino in Peterborough, noted that problem gamblers experience a myriad of health issues including stress, anxiety, depression, suicide, addiction, migraines, chronic bronchitis, fibromyalgia, intestinal disorders and sleep disorders. Just over three-quarters of problem gamblers blame their gambling for their poor health.
Dr. Salvaterra emphasized that problem gambling doesn’t just affect the individual. “Families, workplaces and the community suffer too. Bankruptcy, neglect, poverty, marital breakdowns, and family conflicts are just a few of the issues facing the family of a problem gambler.”
She noted that the effect is passed down to the next generation as well. Children of problem gamblers are more likely to become problem gamblers too. The prevalence rate for problem gambling among youth between the ages of 18 and 24 has been calculated to be as high as 6.9% which might represent up to 900 young adults dealing with moderate to severe gambling problems in the City and County of Peterborough. They are also more likely to engage in other risk-taking behaviour including substance misuse and smoking and experience mental health issues which affect all aspects of their lives including their education.
For Peterborough, the prevalence rate of those at-risk for problem gambling was determined to be 4.1% (95% Confidence Intervals of 2.7 – 6.3%) based on the answers provided by local respondents to the 2007/8 Canadian Community Health Survey. Due to a small sample size this estimate must be interpreted with caution. In addition, such a small sample prohibits differentiation between low-risk, moderate-risk and problem gamblers.
To receive a full copy of this report, please contact Monique Beneteau, Health Promoter, Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 309 or mbeneteau@peterboroughpublichealth.ca .
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391