Problem Gambling Among Criminal Sanction Clients: Project Overview

Problem gambling is highly prevalent among the incarcerated population, and when untreated, it significantly increases the risk of recidivism. This presentation provides an overview of a research project “Problem Gambling Among Criminal Sanctions Clients: Preventing Recidivism and Developing Support” that explores data from two sources: 1) a nationally representative prisoner survey and 2) qualitative interviews from a pilot program participants and workers. The development project (RISERaPeli) initiated by the Life Without Crime Foundation aims to tailor an online program for community sanction clients with at-risk or problem gambling, intending to integrate the program into the routine procedures of community sanctions and eventually into the Criminal Sanctions Agency more broadly. The presented research project aims to explore the characteristics of problem gamblers among criminal sanction clients and their experiences of the program. Qualitative interview data, collected from program participants (n=8) and program workers (n=3), is complemented by an analysis of data from "The Health and Wellbeing of Finnish Prisoners 2023" survey (n=527) to gain a deeper understanding of problem gambling in this population and enhance support strategies.
Preliminary results from the survey data indicate that probable problem gambling is relatively common among prisoners (13%), particularly among those involved in robbery or property crimes. The study also reveals a connection between borderline personality traits and problem gambling in prisoner population. Qualitative analysis of the pilot program completers underscores the diversity in their paths to the program in terms of psycho-emotional vulnerabilities, behavioral conditioning, and impulsive traits. The study highlights the need for tailored support, recognizing the unique network of actants that contribute to recovery, and emphasizes the importance of stigma-reducing elements and professional understanding of problem gambling dynamics to facilitate rehabilitation.
The associations between problem gambling, crime, and co-occurring issues such as depression and substance use will be discussed. This research is expected to yield valuable insights for criminal sanction employees, treatment providers, policymakers, scholars, and other experts working at the intersection of problem gambling and criminal behavior.