Who is at Risk?

• Over 70% of U.S. adults report gambling at least once in the past year.
• Most adults are able to gamble responsibly.
• However, in a given year, approximately 1% of U.S. adults (3 million) meet criteria for pathological gambling.
• Another 2-3% have less significant, but still serious problems with their gambling and are known as problem gamblers.
• They are much more likely than others to have problems with drinking, drugs and smoking, and to suffer from depression.
• There is also a strong link between suicide and pathological gambling.
• Problem gambling has been called the "hidden addiction", as there are few outward signs until it is too late.
• Some at-risk groups, including gaming employees, youth and seniors have higher rates of gambling problems than the general population.
• However, there is help and hope available, and recovery from gambling problems is possible.

(Adapted from: National Council on Problem Gambling)