Most Quebecers gamble and tens of thousands are at risk of having a pathological gambling problem, according to a study released Wednesday by a team of Montreal researchers.
The study by researchers at Concordia University and the University of Montreal surveyed 11,888 people in the Montreal area about their gambling habits, and found that 70 per cent of them had spent money in the previous year on lotteries, slot machines, video lottery terminals and poker.
The average amount of money spent was $483 a year.
Based on the survey, the researchers concluded that 41,000 Quebecers could be a risk of becoming pathological gamblers, or 0.7 per cent of the population.
Sylvia Kairouz, director of Concordia University's Lifestyle and Addiction Research Laboratory, said young men who play VLTs or gamble online are most at risk of developing a serious gambling problem.
"They play more often and spend more substantial amounts of money. Some also reported increased problems associated with alcohol abuse or cannabis use," said Kairouz.
Kairouz said the survey results point to the importance of reaching out to gamblers before a pastime evolves into a serious habit.
