The relationship between recreational gambling and substance abuse/dependence: Data from a nationally representative sample

Background: Although recreational gambling is prevalent and co-occurs with substance abuse/dependence, few studies have investigated the relationship between the two. Methods: Logistic regression analyses were performed on data from a nationally representative sample from the Gambling Impact and Behavior Study. Results: Substance-abusing recreational gamblers, as compared to non-substance-abusing ones, differed in gambling motivations, began gambling at earlier ages, reported heavier gambling, and preferred and performed strategic forms of gambling. Conclusions: As compared with non-substance-abusing gamblers, substance-abusing gamblers demonstrated different gambling profiles including heavier gambling. These findings suggest the need for additional research on whether and how substance use might promote gambling and vice versa. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.