Pathological gambling in Louisiana: an epidemiological perspective.

A review of telephone interview data using the South Oaks Gambling Screen on a random sample of 1,818 Louisiana residents > 18 years indicated that 4.8% of adults > 21 years (approximately 122,500) have gambling disorders, compared to 14.4% of 18 to 21 year olds (approximately 21,000). Geographic distribution of gambling disorders shows equal statewide penetrance. Pathological gamblers are demographically distinct, more likely to be male, < 30 years, non-Caucasian, unmarried, and less likely to have graduated from high school than nonproblem gamblers. Two demographic clusters, males < 21 who primarily wager on video poker and those > 30 who primarily wager on horse racing, were noted. Data is needed on adolescent incidence and prevalence to plan prevention and early intervention programs in Louisiana.