Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling
Meeting Location: 2209 Southwest 29th Street, Topeka, KS
Date: 2nd Wednesday of every month
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
President: Joy D. Schwartz

Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
Meeting Location: Ford County Extension Office
Date: 2nd Thursday of every month
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Chair: Debbie Snapp

Northeast Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
Meeting Location: Kansas City Kansas Community College
Date: 2nd Tuesday of every month
Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Chair: Peter Guzman

South Central Problem Gambling Task Force
Meeting Location: 400 N Woodlawn, Wichita, KS
Date: 3rd Friday of every month
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Chair: Stephenie Roberts

Southeast Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
Meeting Location: 3101 N. Michigan, Pittsburg, KS
Date: Last Monday of every month
Time: 12:00PM to 1:00PM
Chair: Stacy Kratz

What is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling is betting something valuable on an event that is determined by chance. The gambler hopes that he or she will ‘win,’ and gain something of value. Once placed, a bet cannot be taken back. When most people think of gambling, they think of slots machines and casinos. But, it’s important to understand that playing bingo, buying lottery tickets, even betting on office pools—all of these, and many other activities, are forms of gambling.

Mental health professionals have developed criteria that help to identify when someone has a problem. For example, many professionals use the DSM criteria. The DSM is a handbook published by the American Psychiatric Association. Professionals use the DSM to diagnose psychological problems. The newest version of the DSM lists Gambling Disorder alongside other addictive behaviors.

The DSM-5 provides a series of symptoms commonly found among people with gambling problems. The symptoms include:

• Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the following in a 12-month period:
  • Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
  • Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
  • Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
  • Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
  • Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
  • After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).
  • Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
  • Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
  • Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
• The gambling behavior is not better explained by a manic episode.

People meet the DSM standard for gambling disorder when they satisfy 4 of these criteria. Gambling problems exist with every form of gambling activity. It’s not just associated with casinos or Internet gambling. Bingo players, lottery players, casino players, and friends playing poker all can develop gambling disorders.

People with Gambling Disorder continue gambling despite bad consequences. For example, they might not fulfill work or home duties, or have legal problems. They also might have repeated social problems, like getting into fights and conflicts with other people. People with Gambling Disorder are preoccupied with gambling. They may try to quit unsuccessfully or hide their behavior. They might also commit crimes to pay for their gambling.

Why Screen for Gambling Disorder?

Gambling disorder leads to financial, emotional, social, occupational, and physical harms.

• Gambling Disorder affects about 1% of the general population, and subclinical past year gambling-related problems affect 2-3% of the general population.
• As much as 10% of primary care patients report lifetime gambling disorder, and an additional 5% report lifetime subclinical problems.
• People with gambling-related problems are more likely to smoke, consume excessive amounts of caffeine, have more emergency department visits, and be obese.
• Although nearly 50% of people who have gambling problems are in treatment for “something,” national studies have failed to identify anyone who currently reports being in treatment specifically for gambling-related problems.
• Many cases of gambling disorder go undetected, due to limited assessment for this problem.

Who Should Screen for Gambling Disorder?

• Addiction service providers
• Mental health service providers
• Physicians (e.g., primary care and emergency medicine)
• Gerontologists
• Pediatricians
• Educators
• Youth community leaders
• Employee Assistance Plan service providers
• Veterans groups

What Should Happen at Gambling Disorder Screening?

• Complete a brief gambling disorder screen
• Discuss the results of a positive screen with a health provider
• Learn where to go for additional help and to access other resources, if necessary
• Receive educational materials on gambling disorder