2003 Nova Scotia Gambling Prevalence Study

Abstract

The 2003 Nova Scotia Gambling Prevalence Study, commissioned by the Nova Scotia Office of Health Promotion, marks the third gambling prevalence study to be conducted in the province (1993, 1996 and 2003) and the first using the new Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) measure. This Report describes the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling among adults 19 years of age and older who are permanent residents of Nova Scotia, living in private households in the province. In addition to examining general gambling prevalence using the PGSI – Problem Gambling Severity Index (scored items of the CPGI) to identify problem gambling, self-reported involvement in problem gambling was also obtained independently by type of gambling activity. This data represents the first opportunity to systematically compare gambling prevalence by type of gambling activity as critical input to planning, management and resource allocation. Therefore, the results of the 2003 Nova Scotia Gambling Prevalence Study can be used as a resource for various provincial stakeholders for gambling in Nova Scotia.