March 10, 2008

John Allen, 404-413-1351
University Relations

Gov. Sonny Perdue and Georgia State University shine light on problem gambling

ATLANTA – Earlier this year, a Georgia man made national news after winning $275 million in a lottery drawing. Most people, however, aren’t as lucky.

So, with urging from a group of Georgia State University researchers, Gov. Sonny Perdue has proclaimed March 9-15 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week in Georgia to make sure people know that for every person who scores big at gambling, many others suffer under its grip.

"The efforts of this week are geared toward creating a society where those affected by problem gambling are able to identify the problem and access professional services that help minimize the consequences of problem gambling," said Jim Emshoff, an associate professor of psychology and leader of the Georgia State University Gambling Project.

According to the proclamation, an estimated 4 percent of adult Georgians are lifetime problem or pathological gamblers. Problem gambling is defined as engaging in risky gambling behaviors that damage one's well being. Compulsive or pathological gambling is defined as losing control to gambling over a continued period of time. Research shows that about 50 percent of problem gamblers commit crime.

A 2007 prevalence study conducted by Georgia State researchers revealed that 87.9 percent of Georgia residents have gambled in their lifetime.  Further studies found that up to 5,800 students in the University System of Georgia have met the criteria for pathological gambling at some point in their lifetime.

"A primary focus of this effort is to promote the fact that treatment works and is available in Georgia," Emshoff said. "In order to make a positive impact in the community, we need to be sure that the individuals and families in need of our services are aware and able to access them."

The Georgia State University Gambling Project, which partners with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, provides groups and people with information on how to obtain treatment in the state of Georgia as well as strategies on how to increase awareness on the incidence of problem gambling.