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Problem Gambling in Rural Communities: Risks, Challenges, and Solutions

Dorothy Nuckols

Summary

Problem gambling impacts two of the five areas of risk addressed by agricultural risk management education: human and financial. Rural rates of gambling are lower than urban rates, but the rate of problem gambling is higher. 2-3% have mild-moderate gambling problems, and 1% meet diagnostic criteria for problem gambling. Gambling is highly associated with debt stress, common among farmers (Swanton, 2020). Comorbidities include anxiety, alcoholism, drug addiction (McCartney et al., 2019), suicide ideation (NCPG, 2022). Immigrants and other socially disadvantaged individuals are most vulnerable (Peter et al., 2021). Traditionally male-dominated, women’s risk has been rising (McCarthy et al., 2018). Age onset is getting younger. (Kristiansen, 2017).

Little attention has been given to problem gambling in rural communities and there is a need for treatment and prevention in those areas (Russell et al., 2025). Rural communities face unique challenges. There, individuals face greater risk of problem gambling but have less access to relevant services. This is especially true for those living in close proximity to casinos on Native American lands (Tolchard et al., 2015), where other avenues of entertainment are less prevalent. Conversely, solutions in rural areas are also unique, due to the protective nature of close community ties.

This session will discuss risks, responses, and solutions for addressing problem gambling in rural communities. Resources in English and Spanish will be shared. State Extension outcomes to date include 59 peer financial mentors trained to identify and refer problem gamblers for professional help, and awareness to over 5000 individuals through social media.

Details

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