The link between gambling problems and criminality
There is a clear connection between gambling problems and criminality. Gambling problems can serve as a gateway to economically related crimes for individuals with no previous criminal record. Behind this often lies a desperate need for money to finance an addiction. At the same time, individuals with a criminal lifestyle may have gambling problems, where the gambling issue makes it difficult to leave criminal activities behind as one constantly needs to replenish funds to continue gambling.
Individuals with no previous criminal record may resort to committing crimes to obtain money for gambling or to cover gambling losses. Frauds and embezzlements in the workplace are common, often with the belief that one is just "borrowing the money" until the next big win that will solve all problems.
Per Binde, associate professor in social anthropology and gambling researcher at Stockholm University, together with two colleagues, has investigated the link between gambling problems and criminality. After examining all judgments from Swedish courts over a five-year period, they identified 282 cases where it was evident that the crimes had been committed as a result of gambling problems. When the researchers delved deeper into the offenders, they found that women, older individuals, and those with no previous criminal record were overrepresented compared to national crime statistics in general.
There are also individuals with a criminal lifestyle that simultaneously have gambling problems. Gambling becomes one of the driving forces behind the criminality, similar to drug addiction.
The criterion that disappeared
Previously, the psychiatric diagnostic system DSM, used to diagnose gambling disorder, included a criterion for criminal behaviour. In the latest update, this criterion was removed.
– It was a fairly logical decision since the criterion of criminality is rarely needed to establish that someone has a gambling problem. If you meet that criterion, you almost always meet the others as well, says Jakob Jonsson, PhD and clinical psychologist at Sustainable Care.
At the same time, it risks diverting attention from a serious negative consequence.
– The possible disadvantage of removing the criterion is that we lose sight of a serious consequence that is quite common. The diagnostic criterion was a reminder to clinicians to discuss criminality. If you have committed criminal acts to finance your gambling, you have more than just a gambling problem to deal with. It starts taking on a life of its own, and you risk being discovered, prosecuted and convicted.
The importance of detecting and treating gambling problems
Gambling companies, healthcare, social services, and employers play a crucial role in detecting gambling problems and offering early help.
– For gambling companies, it's about being vigilant for customers who are playing beyond their means or show other indications of gambling problems – both to detect signs of gambling problems and attempts at money laundering. Healthcare, social services, and employers need to ask questions about gambling and offer support and treatment even for milder problems, says Jakob.
Even within the criminal justice system, there is every reason to address gambling issues.
– If you continue with something that constantly drains money, it becomes difficult to stop committing crimes. The criminal justice system needs to ask questions about gambling in the same way it does with alcohol, and as part of rehabilitation, there should be an opportunity for gambling addiction treatment for those in need.
In Finland, the Criminal Sanctions Agency collaborates with the RETS foundation to train personnel in the criminal and probation services to detect signs of gambling problems. Individuals showing signs of gambling problems are referred to a customised version of Sustainable Care's online treatment for gambling problems.
Would you like to know more about the project? You can read an interview with Sofia Holmberg, project manager at RETS, here.
