The problem gambler in Las Vegas: Quantitative and qualitative explorations

Problem gambling behaviors among the adult population in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada are analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Responses to problem gambling questions from 1992 and 1995 telephone surveys are examined. On the 1992 survey, which focused on lifetime problem gambling behaviors, 5.8% of local residents indicated that they had a gambling problem. On the 1995 survey, which inquired about past-year gambling problems, 6.6% of the local population indicated that they had a gambling problem. Demographic information on the self-identified problem gamblers in the surveys is presented as well. Because survey methodology is limited in its ability to access sensitive information, ethnographic accounts of problem gamblers in local treatment centers will also be presented. Special attention is given to the phenomena of video poker gambling and public and private stigmatization of this population. In addition, recommendations for future research and policy directions are discussed