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01-03-2016 | Original Paper

Sociodemographic Correlates and Morbidity in Lottery Gamblers: Results from a Population Survey

Authors: Mythily Subramaniam, Benjamin Tang, Edimansyah Abdin, Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar, Louisa Picco, Siow Ann Chong

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to examine the socio-demographic correlates, the association of mental and physical illness, and the prevalence of pathological gambling among three groups (1) those with lottery gambling only (2) those with lottery and other types of gambling and (3) those with other types of gambling only—such as playing cards, sports betting, horse racing, casino gambling etc. Data was used from a nationwide cross-sectional epidemiological nationally representative survey of the resident (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) population in Singapore of 6616 Singaporean adults aged 18 years and older. All respondents were administered the South Oaks Gambling Screen to screen for pathological gambling. The diagnoses of mental disorders were established using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and relevant socio-demographic data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Lottery gambling was by far the most popular form of gambling in Singapore, with 83.5 % of those who had ever gambled indicating that they had participated in lottery gambling. Those who participated in lottery gambling alone were more likely to belong to the older age group (as compared to the 18–35 years age group), be of Indian ethnicity, have a secondary or vocational education, and earn a lower income as compared to the other two groups. Our findings that those with pure lottery gambling were significantly less likely to be pathological gamblers and had significantly lower odds of psychiatric and physical morbidity as compared to the other two groups are unique and need further research.

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Title: Sociodemographic Correlates and Morbidity in Lottery Gamblers: Results from a Population Survey
Authors: Mythily Subramaniam
Benjamin Tang
Edimansyah Abdin
Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
Louisa Picco
Siow Ann Chong
Publication date: 01-03-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-015-9534-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Sociodemographic Correlates and Morbidity in Lottery Gamblers: Results from a Population Survey

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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