Individual and Neighborhood Risk and Protective Factors of At-Risk and Problem Gambling: a Spatial Analysis Using Geographic Information Systems.

This study investigated the relationship between lottery gambling and postal codes where this gambling occurs, along with individual-level characteristics predicting at-risk or problem gambling (ARPG) among Massachusetts residents. A geographic information systems (GIS) spatial analysis was conducted to identify vulnerable areas based on neighborhood characteristics, lottery sales, and ARPG. GIS methods involved geocoding lottery agent addresses and integrating them into a geodatabase, enabling precise spatial analysis and visualization. This approach allowed us to examine spatial patterns in lottery sales, agent density, and neighborhood characteristics of 524 postal codes. Residents of disadvantaged areas did not spend more on lottery tickets or have more lottery agents than those in less disadvantaged areas. Some indicators of disadvantage (percent unemployed, percent single mothers) were associated with lower lottery sales and agent density, reflecting less disposable income. Postal codes in commercial and tourist areas and on the Massachusetts border had higher per capita sales. Individual characteristics hypothesized to predict ARPG remained significant in nested analyses. The strongest predictor of individual-level ARPG was having close friends or family who gamble regularly, demonstrating that social relationships have a strong impact on gambling behavior. In the nested analysis, residents of disadvantaged areas did not have increased risk for ARPG overall, although ARPG likely has a greater adverse impact on disadvantaged areas due to lower levels of resources. Libraries were identified as one community resource associated with lower risk for ARPG. These findings underscore the importance of considering both community and individual factors in understanding and addressing gambling behaviors.