The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The WAGER, Vol. 1(5) - Comparing DSM-IV1 Criteria for Pathological Gambling and Substance Dependence

The following items represent the current American Psychiatric Association (A.P.A.) criteria for determining a diagnosis of pathological gambling or substance dependence. Since 1980, the A.P.A. has considered pathological gambling to be an impulse-control disorder. However, in spite of similarities, the A.P.A. categorizes substance dependence as a substance-related disorder. It is interesting to consider the similarities and differences between these sets of criteria given the psychological, biological and social factors that contribute to these two disorders. Source: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Fourth Edition. (1994). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association. This public education project is funded, in part, by... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 1(4) - State Prevalence Estimates of Combined Problem and Pathological Gambling

The following chart illustrates prevalence rates compiled from separate state studies estimating the current and lifetime prevalence of combined problem and pathological gambling among adults. Although some studies measured problem and pathological gambling as two distinct phenomena, for the purposes of this chart, the rates are combined. All of the studies used the SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Screen), though methodologies and the time frames of the studies varied. “Current” estimates were obtained by inquiring about gambling issues during the past year; “lifetime” estimates were obtained by inquiring about gambling issues during the respondent’s lifetime unless otherwise specified. Source: Wallisch, L.S.... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 1 (3) - 12th Grade Students Lottery Activity Exceeded only by Alcohol Prevalence

Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health show that of six illicit activities investi­gated in 1990 among students in grades 7-12, current (within the past 30 days) involvement with the lottery is exceeded only by current prevalence of alcohol use. Current prevalence estimates (compared with lifetime or past year estimates) provide conservative rates of use but also provide more insight into potential problems. While the use of alcohol and other drugs by adolescents commonly is recognized as illicit, in Massachusetts it is also illicit for those under the age of 18 to purchase a lottery ticket. Source: Adapted from... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 1(2) - Massachusetts Leads New England in Per Capita Lottery Expenditure

Data show that per capita 1994 lottery expenditure in Massachusetts is over double Rhode Island, the next highest state, and far larger than the other four New England States. New Hampshire initiated the modern era of state lotteries in 1964, while the Massachusetts lottery began in 1972. Vermont, which started a lottery in 1978, was the last state in the New England region to do so. A multiplicity of factors is likely to influence a state's per capita lottery expenditures, including advertising budgets, overall economic health, and proximity of other gambling opportunities. 1994 Per Capita Lottery Expenditures for New England... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 1(1) - Recommendations from the North American Think Tank on Youth Gambling Issues

The North American Think Tank on Youth Gambling Issues was held on April 6-8, 1995 at Harvard Medical School. The event brought together key leaders from throughout the United States and Canada who represented diverse fields including government, education, the gambling industry, finance, law enforcement, the judiciary, health care and research. North American Think Tank participants developed recommendations in seven key areas of concern. These are: 1. POLICY DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The U.S. and Canada create a binational task force to coordinate the development of a North American response to youth gambling and solicit the funds necessary to pay for needed... Read more →