Pathological Gambling and Related Problems Among Adolescents

The present study evaluates the prevalence of pathological gambling and related problems among 3,426 students in junior and senior high schools in Quebec City. Results indicate that 87% of adolescents have gambled in their lifetime, 77% have gambled in the last twelve months, and 13% gamble at least once a week. More than twice as many boys (18.8%) than girls (8%) gamble every week. The current rate of pathological gamblers among adolescents is 2.6%. This rate is higher among boys (3.7%) than girls (1.5%). Pathological gambling is associated with drug and alcohol use, poor grades and delinquent behaviors. The practical and theoretical ramifications of these results are discussed.