The problem is the same

Q: Why talk about gambling and ethno-cultural groups?

A: Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of ethno-cultural background.

Gambling is an activity that has been present in almost all societies throughout history.  Research tells us that early games of chance took the form of casting lots and dice.  Four-sided gaming sticks dating as far back as 6000 B.C. have been unearthed at archaeological sites in Africa, Asia and North and South America.

At present, research illustrates that the percentage of pathological gamblers is the same for all peoples.

95% of the population are healthy when it comes to gambling but have been involved in gambling.

5% of the population are problem gamblers

1% of the 5% are compulsive/pathological gamblers

The rate of gambling activity amongst ethno-cultural groups is similar to gambling rates for the general population.” (ARF Study, 1996)

However, we need to emphasize that is not so much the issue of gambling but the lack of access to information and resources that may place individuals from ethno cultural groups at risk of developing a problem with gambling.

Niagara Multilingual Prevention/Education Problem Gambling Program © 2022

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