Gambling: A Ubiquitous Behavior Among Rhode Island's Young Adults.

OBJECTIVES

Gambling is a prevalent behavior associated with numerous consequences. The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in Rhode Island young adults and to identify sociodemographic correlates of gambling.

METHODS

Data from n=546 participants of the Rhode Island Young Adult Survey were used. Twelve types of gambling behaviors, and problem gambling, were assessed. Sociodemographic variables included age, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social status, education, employment, and essential worker status.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any gambling was 62.3%, and odds of any gambling was 57% higher (95%CI = 1.08,2.27) among essential workers. The prevalence of problem gambling was 11.4%, and the odds were 3.6 times higher (95%CI = 1.32, 9.86) among persons who are transgender.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of gambling and problem gambling are high among Rhode Island's young adults. Implementing programmatic and regulatory measures to prevent and treat problem gambling are vital.