March 1999
Information collected from Minnesota's six
state-supported treatment centers shows a significant connection between
illegal activity and gambling. The 1997 Abt study found the two crimes most
reported by gamblers in treatment were theft and forgery (see Who's Calling?
below). An earlier 1996 study found 77% admitted to writing bad checks.
There is also a significant connection between chemical dependency and problem
gambling. Over 34 percent of compulsive gamblers reported having received
chemical dependency services prior to entering gambling treatment.
These findings, together with the expansion of gambling and the changing gambling environment in Minnesota over the past years, have created an opportunity to address gambling issues among a prison population receiving treatment for chemical dependency. This issue of Beyond the Odds highlights two efforts currently underway in Minnesota to address gambling problems among the prison population. Kelly Reynolds describes the integration of a prevention program into prison chemical dependency programs and Deb Ellison-Culver a program providing therapy.
This edition also includes an introduction to Kathleen Porter, new gambling program manager for the Department of Human Services. We welcome Kathleen to her new position and look forward to working with her to address the needs of problem gamblers and their families.
Roger H. Svendsen
In This Issue
Who's Calling?
Gambling Problems Resource Center
2720 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
763-427-5310
