Study Focuses on Problems With Gambling

A survey by the State Department of Health and Senior Services says one in every 100 Missourians has experienced financial problems because of gambling. The highest percentage of problem gamblers – two-and-a-half percent – is in people 45 to 54 years of age. Almost two percent of those surveyed who are 75 and older say they have had financial problems in the last year because of gambling. The survey indicates about one-third of the people in Missouri have gambled in the last year. The study says those who are most likley to have financial problems tied to gambling are those who earn $25,000 to $35,000 a year, those who did not finish high school, those who don’t have jobs, and those who are divorced or separated.