OLDER ADULT GAMBLING IN OREGON

OLDER ADULT
GAMBLING
IN OREGON
AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY
April 2001
Thomas L. Moore, PhD
HERBERT & LOUIS
PO Box 304
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-0304
(503) 625-6100
research@herblou.com
www.herblou.com
OREGON
707 13th Street SE, Suite 116
GAMBLING
Salem, Oregon 97301-4036
ADDICTION
Voice (503) 763-9585
TREATMENT
Facsimile (503) 763-9793
FOUNDATION
www.gamblingaddiction.org
Enhancing the Value of the Public Investment in Oregon’s Gambling Treatment Programs

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This research was sponsored by the Oregon Gambling Addiction
Treatment Foundation. Questions regarding the Foundation’s efforts to
better understand, measurement, prevent, and effectively treat disordered
gambling should be directed to Mr. Michael McCracken, Executive
Director. Mr. McCracken can be reached by telephone at (503) 763-
9585, email mccrack@open.org, or 847 Fairfiew Avenue, SE, Salem,
Oregon 97302.
Technical questions regarding this report, or the study, should be
directed to the author, Dr. Thomas L. Moore. Dr. Moore can be reached
by telephone at (503) 625-6100, email tlmoore@herblou.com, or Herbert
& Louis, PO Box 304, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-03047.
Suggested citation of this report:
Moore, T. (2001, April). Older adult gambling in Oregon: an
epidemiological survey. Salem, OR: Oregon Gambling
Addiction Treatment Foundation.
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Foundation, its Board of
Directors, nor those who contributed funding and support for this
research effort.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study, conducted in the summer and fall of 2000, was the third in a series of four
epidemiological studies commissioned by the Oregon Gambling Addiction Treatment
Foundation (OGATF) since it’s founding in 1997. The goal of the first three studies was to
establish empirical evidence of gambling behaviors among Oregonians and to estimate the
rates of disordered gambling in the state. The objective in providing this empirical evidence
was envisioned as creating impetus for statewide, data-based strategic planning to better
ensure adequate allocation of resources for prevention, identification, referral, and treatment
of disordered gamblers and their families. The fourth study, commissioned simultaneously
with this study, was a replication of the original adult prevalence study.
The findings from this study were based on a large random sample of 1512
Oregonians age 62 years or older; the highlights included:
Ø Slightly over 58 percent of the sample reported past year gambling. Overall, males
were more likely to report past year gambling than females. Past year gambling activity was
reported less frequently as the age increased consistent with expectations. The most
frequently identified past year favorite gambling venue was traditional lottery games (18.9
percent), followed closely by casino games other than video poker (17.5 percent), and slots
(15.4 percent). Females were more likely to indicate these venues than males.
Approximately 18.8 percent of those who gambled indicated they had no favorite game.
Ø Of those who gambled, 59.6 percent reported they did so for entertainment and
fun, followed by 11.6 percent who indicated they gambled to socialize, 6.7 percent reporting
they gambled to win money. Only six respondents reported gambling to distract themselves
from problems.
Ø The estimated prevalence of past year disordered gambling was 1.2 percent (± 0.5
percent). This was somewhat lower than rates reported in other recent studies in Canada and
Nevada. The estimated prevalence of problem gambling was 0.9 percent and that for
probable pathological gambling was 0.3 percent.
Ø The estimation for disordered gambling among males was 1.9 percent. This was
higher, although not significantly, than females with an estimated prevalence of 0.8 percent.
Ø Disordered gambling was most commonly seen in the 65 to 69 year old age group
as well as more likely to be seen in urban as opposed to rural counties. Although minorities
were slightly underrepresented in the sample, the estimated prevalence of disordered
gambling in these populations was 3.4 percent.
Ø Utilizing the confidence interval of 0.5 percent, an estimated range of past year
disordered gambling from 0.7 percent to 1.7 percent of the population was calculated. This
represented a range of 3,584 to 8,704 older adults that may be classified as problem gamblers.
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The estimated rate of probable pathological gamblers was 0.3 percent and could indicate up to
4096 individuals in this population would classify as pathological gamblers.
Ø Nearly 75 percent of the sample reported lifetime gambling. Males reported a
significantly earlier age of first gambling experience (24.5 years) than females (37.1 years).
Age of first gambling decreased as the age of the respondents decreased. The first gambling
experience was reported as slots (28.4 percent), followed by other casino games (23.2
percent) and cards - not in a casino (18.2 percent). Females were more likely to endorse these
preferences than males except for cards. The first gambling experience for most of the
respondents was, in general, 30 to 50 years ago.
Ø The prevalence of lifetime disordered gambling was estimated at 3.4 percent.
Caution should be used when attempting to compare this rate with past year prevalence
estimates due to the likely distortion caused by the extended look-back window as discussed
in the body of this report.
Ø Statewide gambling treatment programs should expect to see up to 123 clients
from this age group per year. During fiscal year 1999-2000, the state sponsored treatment
programs admitted 44 individuals over age 62. It appears that system capacity is available to
absorb increasing numbers of older adults seeking traditional outpatient treatment.
Ø Current depression was estimated at 5.2 percent (± 0.4) of the population. Daily
tobacco use was reported by 12.2 percent of the sample, daily alcohol use 10.3 percent, and
daily use of prescription medications such as sedative, anti-depressant, or anti-anxiety was
reported by approximately 10 percent of the sample.
Ø Slightly over 52 percent of the sample reported their overall health, when
compared to others their age as very good to excellent. Less than one percent reported their
health as extremely poor. Slightly over 45 percent indicated they were completely satisfied
with the way they were spending their time. Only 5 percent indicated they were not very
satisfied with their lives.
Ø As planned, 82.5 percent of the sample was retired, 6.3 percent employed full-
time, and 5.6 employed part-time. Approximately two percent indicated that they could not
make ends meet with their incomes while 38.8 percent indicated they always had money left
over after paying their bills.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................ II
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................. IV
LIST OF TABLES........................................................................................................................................ VI
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1
BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................................. 2
GAMBLING OPPORTUNITIES........................................................................................................................... 2
TREATMENT FOR DISORDERED GAMBLING..................................................................................................... 5
DEFINITIONS OF DISORDERED GAMBLING ...................................................................................................... 6
COOCCURRING DISORDERS ......................................................................................................................... 10
PREVIOUS PREVALENCE RESEARCH ............................................................................................................. 12
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY........................................................................................................................ 15
STUDY DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................. 16
QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES ................................................................................................................... 18
INSTRUMENTATION ................................................................................................................................ 20
Item Nonresponse .................................................................................................................................. 25
FINDINGS .................................................................................................................................................... 25
GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................... 25
GAMBLING - GENERAL................................................................................................................................ 27
Disordered Gambling ............................................................................................................................ 28
Gambling Activity.................................................................................................................................. 30
Favored Games ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Gambling Related Activities................................................................................................................... 37
Lifetime Gambling ................................................................................................................................. 44
Lifetime Disordered Gambling............................................................................................................... 47
SUBSTANCE USE ......................................................................................................................................... 48
Tobacco ................................................................................................................................................ 48
Alcohol.................................................................................................................................................. 49
Marijuana ............................................................................................................................................. 50
Cocaine................................................................................................................................................. 50
Prescription Drug Use........................................................................................................................... 50
DEPRESSION ............................................................................................................................................... 51
QUALITY OF LIFE ........................................................................................................................................ 52
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME ........................................................................................................................ 53
EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................................ 55
MARITAL STATUS ....................................................................................................................................... 56
RELIGION ................................................................................................................................................... 57
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS.............................................................................................................. 57
RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 61
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................. 62
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APPENDIX A: CATI TELEPHONE INTERVIEW.................................................................................... 66
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Sample Stratification ...........................................................................................
26
Table 2. Gambled in the Past Year ....................................................................................
27
Table 3. Prevalence of Disordered Gambling ...................................................................
28
Table 4. Prevalence of Past Year Disordered Gambling ..................................................
29
Table 5. Charitable Gambling - Non-Bingo .....................................................................
30
Table 6. Non-Indian Bingo Gambling ..............................................................................
31
Table 7. Traditional Lottery Gambling .............................................................................
31
Table 8. Specific Traditional Lottery Games ....................................................................
32
Table 9. Non-Casino Video Poker Gambling ...................................................................
32
Table 10. IGC or Casino Gambling ..................................................................................
33
Table 11. Specific Casino Games .....................................................................................
34
Table 12. Other Gambling Activities ................................................................................
35
Table 13. Favored Gambling Activities Past Year Gamblers ...........................................
36
Table 14. Gambling Preferences Among Disordered Gamblers .......................................
37
Table 15. Distance Usually Traveled ................................................................................
37
Table 16. Distance Traveled: 0 to 15 Miles ......................................................................
38
Table 16a. Distance Traveled: More Than 60 Miles .........................................................
39
Table 17. Mode of Transportation .....................................................................................
40
Table 18. Gambled With ...................................................................................................
40
Table 19. Gambled Alone .................................................................................................
41
Table 20. Time Spent Gambling .......................................................................................
41
Table 21. Largest Amount Ever Bet ..................................................................................
43
Table 22. Reason for Gambling in Past Year ....................................................................
43
Table 23. Age First Gambled ............................................................................................
45
Table 24. First Gambling Activity Lifetime Gamblers .....................................................
46
Table 25. Prevalence of Lifetime Disordered Gambling ..................................................
47
Table 26. Daily Tobacco Use ............................................................................................
48
Table 27. Daily Alcohol Use .............................................................................................
49
Table 28. Estimated Prevalence of Depression .................................................................
51
Table 29. Overall Health ...................................................................................................
52
Table 30. Employment Status ...........................................................................................
53
Table 31. Income ...............................................................................................................
54
Table 32. Education ..........................................................................................................
55
Table 33. Marital Status ....................................................................................................
56
Table 34. Religion .............................................................................................................
57
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INTRODUCTION
This study was the third in a series of four epidemiological studies commissioned
by the Oregon Gambling Addiction Treatment Foundation (OGATF) since it’s founding in
1997. The goal of the first three studies was to establish empirical evidence of gambling
activity as well as to estimate the rate of disordered gambling among Oregonians. The
objective in providing this empirical evidence to the state was envisioned as creating
impetus for statewide, data-based strategic planning to better ensure adequate allocation of
resources for prevention, identification, referral, and treatment of disordered gamblers and
their families. The fourth study, commissioned simultaneously with this study, was a
replication of the original adult prevalence study.
The first study, in 1997, was commissioned to estimate the prevalence of
disordered gambling among adult Oregonians. The second study, in 1998, was
commissioned to estimate the prevalence of disordered gambling among Oregon youth
between the ages of 13 and 17 years old. This current study, estimating the prevalence of
older adult Oregonians (age 62 and over), completes the initial goal of the Foundation to
create an empirical baseline of estimated rates of disordered gambling across a wide
spectrum of ages.
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BACKGROUND
Gambling Opportunities
Oregon, like most states, has dealt with illegal and gray gambling1 since statehood
was achieved. In the 1930’s, the state passed legislation that allowed for pari-mutuel
wagering and in 1984 initiated the Oregon Lottery. Allowed within the Lottery’s initial
purview were a variety of traditional lottery games such as regular sweepstakes drawings
and scratch tickets. Over the next few years, the state expanded the games available to
include Megabucks and Powerball2; several varieties of scratch tickets and breakopens
(pull-tabs); and, the nation’s first state-sponsored sports action lottery. Off-track wagering
was authorized by the legislature in 1987. In September 1991, the first Keno machines
were made available and following in 1991, the state approved expansion for the use of
video lottery terminals (VLT)3 with several varieties of video poker as the only available
games. In 1992, the first4 of eight Indian Gaming Centers (IGC) in the state was opened.
At the time this study was conducted, Oregonians had a variety of gambling
opportunities from which to participate ranging from charitable bingo to full scale casinos.
Along with the eight IGCs, were approximately 1840 bars and taverns with approximately
9000 VLTs throughout the state. There were several thousand lottery outlets at

1 Illegal gambling that is unofficially allowed to continue, for a myriad of reasons, such as slot machines at
private clubs, bars, and taverns.
2 The Lottery has also introduced daily drawings as the games’ popularity has risen and fallen.
3 It was estimated that approximately 10,000 illegal (“gray”) slot machines were in use in the state. Part of
the effort to legalize the VLTs was in conjunction with efforts to eliminate these gray machines. (Barnes, E.,
1990)
4 This IGC was originally named “Cow Creek,” then changed its name to Seven Feathers, and was located in
a rural area of the state near Canyonville.
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convenience and food stores where traditional lottery games could be played. Numerous
public card rooms and bingo halls along with three pari-mutuel tracks for seasonal live
racing and several off-track wagering facilities were also available. Extensive gambling
opportunities were also available in each of the four states that are contiguous to Oregon
(California, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington).
As in many states, revenues from gambling are big business for the Oregon.
During the biennium of 1997-1999, the lottery generated revenues for the state of
approximately $617.6 million. Originally, the Lottery was established by a voter-approved
initiative dedicated to support economic development in the state. Subsequently, voters
passed a legislative referral that disbursed substantial Lottery revenues to education. Most
recently an initiative was approved to distribute some Lottery revenue to the restoration of
state parks and salmon populations. A directive assigning a small portion of the Lottery’s
proceeds to provide statewide treatment for disordered gambling was attached to the 1991
legislation that authorized VLTs.5 The Lottery actively supports the state’s gambling
treatment programs through the regular advertising regarding the effectiveness of treatment
and how to access care. Additionally, the Lottery was very active in voluntarily supporting
scientific research efforts regarding disordered gambling in the state. The Lottery is the
only gambling venue that directly supports the state government financially.

5 This was originally set at 3 percent of VLT proceeds. Due to the unintended results of a legal challenge to
the introduction of VLTs this funding had to be moved from the Lottery revenues to the general fund. In
1999, legislative action successfully reinstituted treatment as 1 percent of the total lottery proceeds. The
reader interested in the gambling treatment within the state is invited to see Moore, T., 2000.
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