Community Risk and Protective Factors

Certain conditions make communities more vulnerable to higher rates of problem gambling. Recent data from 2024 points to the greatest predictors of risk: 

  • Participation in many different types of gambling 

  • Gambling weekly or more often 

  • Believing that gambling is a good way to make money 

  • Engagement in sports betting (either traditional sports betting or fantasy sports) 

  • Online gambling 

  • High risk-taking tendencies 

  • Struggling with high stress, depression, or PTSD 

While the risks are real, communities also have access to protective factors that can reduce the likelihood of gambling harm. These include increased public funding for prevention, expanded education, and greater public awareness of gambling addiction, as experienced by friends or family or reported in the media. 

Communities that prioritize public education and early intervention are better equipped to reduce stigma and help residents identify problematic behavior before it escalates. 

How Problem Gambling Impacts Communities  

The social and health impacts of problem gambling can be visible at the community level. When a significant portion of residents are struggling, the consequences can ripple through workplaces, schools, and public systems. 

In areas with substantial levels of gambling activity, communities often face increased crime, lower productivity, and added strain on local healthcare and social services. Casinos, betting shops, and other gambling establishments can become hubs that influence community dynamics, draw in activity that elevates criminal behavior, and create financial strain on the surrounding area. 

Research shows that communities with significant gambling venues experience more crimes, such as theft, fraud, and embezzlement. People experiencing gambling addiction may turn to these actions to sustain their gambling, adding pressure on law enforcement and correctional resources.  

Workplaces are affected as well, with reduced productivity linked to absenteeism or poor performance.  

Local healthcare systems also experience increased demand; problem gambling can worsen mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, leading to greater need for mental health care, addiction services, and rehabilitation support.