Pathological Gambling and Related Problems Among Adolescents

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Abstract
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.