Pathological and nonpathological gamblers: A survey in gambling settings

In this first study on gambling in Brazil, pathological and nonpathological gamblers were surveyed at three binge clubs, one video poker club, and one horse-racing club in Sao Paulo. The South Oaks Gambling Screen and a questionnaire were administered to 171 subjects. When compared to nonpathological gamblers, a significantly higher proportion of pathological gamblers played cards, horse races, video poker, and dice in their lifetime. The two groups were similar with respect to socially acceptable games such as lotteries, binge, sports, and the stock market. No significant differences were observed in drug consumption except for a higher lifetime consumption of tobacco among pathological gamblers. Only 4.9% of the gamblers sought help for gambling-related problems, suggesting that gambling is not generally perceived as a mental health problem by these subjects.UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Med, PROAD, Pathol Gambling Program,Dept Psychiat, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Inst Psychol, Dept Expt Psychol, Sao Paulo, BrazilUNIFESP, Escola Paulista Med, PROAD, Pathol Gambling Program,Dept Psychiat, BR-04025002 Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc