Conference Poster Sessions feature multiple presenters in an engaging visual medium. Poster Sessions will take place during the morning and afternoon networking breaks.
This study examined various characteristics and trends among older adults (65+) with problem gambling, and compared their profiles with a younger age group (18-64). The sample included 345 older and 3,499 younger gamblers, and consisted of subjects that sought treatment in California as part of UCLA’s CALGETS program between 2018 and 2023. Data was collected through surveys administered by treatment providers. We hypothesized co-occurring mental and physical health deficits, variation in gambling behavior, and a consistent gender difference within the group of older adults with problem gambling. Surprisingly, there was almost no difference in gender ratio between older adult gamblers, among other key findings.
Lack of awareness of problem gambling is a contributor to low treatment seeking rates in gamblers, which is particularly concerning in college students who have higher problem gambling rates (Bijker et al., 2022; Nowak & Aloe, 2014). Prior quantitative work has failed to identify anticipated motives for seeking treatment in gamblers (Grant Weinandy et al., 2024). In Spring 2025, we will use thematic analysis to code 300 college students’ descriptions of the future circumstances that they bear in mind as indicators of problem gambling. Results will enable prevention and intervention services to increase awareness of problem gambling and treatment seeking.
It is estimated that only up to 20% of individuals experiencing problem gambling seek help, and only about half of those who connect with formal support will complete treatment. To determine predictors of dropout among persons in gambling treatment, the present study analyzed intake data from state-funded gambling treatment admissions. To gain insight into client motivation for premature termination, researchers conducted interviews with individuals who abruptly stopped attending treatment. Findings and implications for gambling treatment providers are discussed, including proposed strategies to improve retention rates.
Income and perceptions of financial standing are important factors in predicting problem gambling in the general population (Floyd, 2023). College students are unique given the high rates of problem gambling (Nowak & Aloe, 2014) and impact of family support and financial aid on their finances, but it is unclear how these factors are related. Using undergraduate data collected in February 2025, we expect that individual income and financial aid will positively predict problem gambling, while family support will negatively predict problem gambling. Results will highlight how college student finances can affect problem gambling risk and inform treatment and prevention services.
