Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline

Problem gambling among ethnic minorities

• Minority populations most likely have much higher rates of pathological gambling than Caucasians (Moore, Jadlos, & Carlson, 2000, as cited in Moore, 2001)
• Minorities spend about two and a half times more on gambling in a typical month than Caucasians (Volberg, 2001)
• Ethnic minority groups (except Asians) are over-represented among individuals classified as problem gamblers (Volberg, 2001)

A 2007 Oregon survey of African American clients in treatment was conducted at an alcohol and drug inpatient treatment facility for women/children and through men's and women's groups at an outpatient treatment facility. Though the survey was small (59 respondents) and has not been studied for statistical validity and reliability, it provides the following useful and intriguing information about gambling in the African American community:

Preferred games: Caucasians vs. African Americans

• Caucasians prefer video poker almost 2:1 over African Americans
• African Americans prefer Dominos about 5:1 over Caucasians
• Caucasians play scratch tickets far more than African Americans
• African Americans play dice far more than Caucasians

What are the implications for family treatment?

• African American relationships may be more enabling.
• Caucasian spouses/partners may be oblivious to their partner’s gambling.

African Americans and treatment admission

• Minorities tend to perceive delayed admission as a form of rejection.
• Minorities have a history of being abused by bureaucracy and red tape. Complex rules, documents, etc. have historically been used to exploit African Americans. African Americans are turned-off by “red-tape.”
• Research shows that delayed admission produces poorer outcomes in minorities compared to Caucasian clients in behavioral health and medical care services Special thanks to Hubert Evans, CGAC II at Lifeworks NW for collecting and sharing this data.