Table 2 Summary of longitudinal studies investigating the relationship between casino proximity and problem gambling

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Study type: Longitudinal study

Number of participants: 2682 adult residents

Problem gambling assessment method: South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS).

A random survey of gambling behavior was conducted prior to the opening of Casino Windsor, and one year later.

Findings: The prevalence of probable pathological gamblers (SOGS score ≥ 5) and problem gamblers (SOGS score 3-4) were 0.8 ± 0.3% and 1.5 ± 0.3% at pre-casino level, and 1.1 ± 0.3% and 1.1 ± 0.3% at post-casino level. No significant differences were observed between pre- and post-casino levels within 1^st year.

Comments: No link was established between casino proximity and prevalence of probable problem and pathological gambling.

Govoni et al., 1998

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Study type: Longitudinal study

Number of participants: 1002 adults, aged 18 or above.

Problem gambling assessment method: Short South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS).

Telephone survey was done to document the community effects before and after the opening of a casino within 1 year of establishment.

Findings: Short SOGS of both Niagara Falls in 1996, i.e., 0.131 ± 0.461, and Ontario in 1997 (control), i.e., 0.140 ± 0.469, were statistical significantly lower than that of Niagara in 1997, i.e., 0.198 ± 0.640 (p < 0.05). The casino opening brought more gambling by local residents, and an increase in reported gambling problem.

Comments: Increased casino proximity, in terms of new casino establishment in the area, increased the reported gambling problem and average short SOGS values.

Room et al., 1999

Hull area, Canada

Study type: Longitudinal study

Number of participants: 457 respondents from Hull area (experimental group) and 423 respondents from the Quebec City area (control group).

Problem gambling assessment method: South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS).

Household contacts and surveys were done before the opening of the Casino de Hull and 1 year later.

Findings: Compared with control group, experimental group exposed to the new casino showed a statistical significant increase in gambling on casino games, maximum amount of money lost within 1 day on gambling, and the number of participants who reported knowing a person who has developed a gambling problem. In Hull area, 1-year and lifetime prevalence of at-risk gamblers (SOGS score 3-4) increased from 2.0 to 2.4, and 3.3 to 7.8, and those of probable pathological gamblers (SOGS score ≥ 5) increased from 1.1 to 2.2, and 1.8 to 3.3. The increases were found to be statistical significant.

Comments: Increased casino proximity, in terms of new casino establishment, increased the prevalence of at-risk and probable pathological gambling within 1^st year of casino establishment.

Jacques et al., 2000

Hull area, Canada

Study type: Longitudinal study

Number of participants: 457 respondents from Hull area (experimental group) and 423 respondents from the Quebec City area (control group).

Problem gambling assessment method: South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS).

Household contacts and surveys were done before the opening of the Casino de Hull, 2 years and 4 years later.

Findings: Although there were negative observations in increased casino gambling and the maximum amount of money lost within 1 day on gambling, the trend was not maintained at 2- and 4-year follow-ups. The prevalence rate of both at-risk gamblers (SOGS score 3-4) and probable pathological gamblers (SOGS score ≥ 5) did not increase at the 2- and 4- year follow-ups, compared with the data obtained before the casino establishment.

Comments: Increased casino proximity, in terms of new casino establishment, did not increase the prevalence of at-risk and probable pathological gambling within 2^nd- and 4^th year of casino establishment.

Jacques and Ladouceur 2006