Unit 4-04: Gambling in the Prison System

Purpose:
Research shows that up to one-third of prisoner populations meet criteria for problem gambling. Prisoners are a vulnerable population that struggle with impulsive behaviors and other identifying fallacies. Their problems are usually linked to “quick fix” solutions to help them mentally escape the adverse environments in which they currently live. So it’s not surprising that these difficulties may lead to the onset of problem gambling behaviors to help them cope while they are incarcerated in correctional facilities worldwide. Learn more about this complex population and their potential relationship with problem gambling and/or gambling disorder.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, the participant will be able to:

• Know three different prevalence rates associated with problem gambling in the prison system;
• Identify three overlapping risk factors of problem gambling and being incarcerated;
• Identify three reasons why problem gambling rates are higher amongst prisoners versus the general population;
• Know the two options regarding gambling policy in correctional facilities.

Unit Outline:

• Prevalence
• Potential Reasons for Gambling in Penal Systems
• Gambling and Criminal Behavior
• Prison Policy and Gambling
• Action Research in a County Jail