Michigan gambling study offers insight into seasonal problems

Tools

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Dec 18, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

MICHIGAN — The financial stress of holiday celebrations and gift-giving can present a special risk for problem gamblers, especially if they're looking for a way out from seasonal overspending, Michigan health officials warn.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said a recent study by Western Michigan University found 300,000 Michigan residents ages 18 and older report some form of gambling problem at one time.

Half reported current gambling issues, with 66,000 likely to be pathological gamblers, the report said.

The most common types of gambling reported were:

playing a lottery, 51 percent
casino gambling, 34 percent
charitable group events, 26 percent

The highest rate of problem gambling was for those who participate in numbers games, at 14 percent.

The health agency reminds Michigan residents to be aware of the added financial pressures of the season and alert to the possibility of gambling as a response. For more information or to seek help, contact Community Health at (800) 270-7117.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

Current Temp 33.8

More Weather

WSBT Weather

More Weather

On Demand

iPhone
Get the WSBT News and Irish Sports Report apps for your iPhone! Read more »
On DVD
Order a DVD of a WSBT news story! Read more »
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter! Read more »
Facebook
Connect with us on Facebook! Read more »
WSBT E-News
Daily StormTracker e-mails right to your Inbox! Read more »
Video On Demand
Miss a story on WSBT News? Watch it here! Read more »
CBS Shows
Watch CBS shows and news online, free! Read more »
WSBT Alert
Breaking News & Weather right to your cell phone! Read more »
Mobile
WSBT News on the go for your cell phone or PDA. Read more »
RSS Feeds
Get news and updates as soon as they're published. Read more »

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.