Problem gambling and crime and its costs

Gambling is often perceived as a leisure activity. For some people, however, it has serious negative consequences, notably criminal behaviour. The more severe a gambling problem is, the more likely it is to lead to crime. Problem gambling rates range from 0.4% to 7.5% in the general population. About one half of the individuals experiencing problem gambling commit a crime.

U.S. studies estimate that justice system costs, in form of arrests and corrections, range from $2,200 to $3000 per individual with problem gambling. One study estimates life-time costs of arrests to be upward of $10,000 for individuals with severe gambling problems.

Other societal and personal consequences of problem gambling and crime include financial, employment-related (e.g., job loss), legal and mental and physical illness. Understanding why problem gambling and crime are linked and which groups are most vulnerable can help policy makers allocate resources to prevention and treatment.