From Adolescence to Adulthood: Sharing the Profile of High-Risk Gamblers

Session Title

Youth Gambling: Emerging Adult Profiles

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

This presentation examines gambling risk through a developmental and population lens using data from the 2025 Kansas Gambling Survey. Individuals were classified as low, moderate, or high risk for problem gambling, highlighting the scope and characteristics of gambling-related harm. In 2025, 21% of respondents were moderate risk and 20% high risk, indicating a substantial increase in vulnerability compared to 2017 findings. Demographic and behavioral analyses showed high-risk gamblers reported greater involvement, distinct activity preferences, and higher self-recognition of gambling problems and negative consequences. However, gaps in gambling literacy were observed with high-risk respondents more likely to endorse myths related to odds, skill, and control, suggesting distorted beliefs may sustain risk and harm. Co-occurring DSM-5 substance and gambling-related addictive behaviors and mental health outcomes showed that compared to low-risk gamblers, high-risk individuals were two to eight times more likely to report substance use, four times more likely to report depression, and fifty times more likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. The presentation will share data demonstrating that these associations emerge in youth ages 12–18 and persist into adulthood. Conceptualizing problem gambling as a spectrum, this presentation emphasizes the importance of early identification and developmentally informed prevention, education, and integrated public health responses.

Author Bios

Lisa Chaney has over 20 years of experience in the field of prevention and currently serves as a Statistical Analyst with the Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush, where she coordinates a wide range of local, state, and federal research and evaluation projects. She plays a key role in analyzing and interpreting data from two statewide surveys and has led multiple high-impact initiatives, including directing the state and cross-site evaluation of the Kansas Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant and Partnerships for Success Grants. She also co-leads the Kansas Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup and was honored with the Kansas Prevention Collaborative Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.With a strong background in statistical analysis, Lisa has authored several research publications and presented her findings at numerous national conferences. Lisa is passionate about using data analysis to deepen understanding of social and behavioral health. Her current research focuses on youth and young adult substance use prevention, opioid use disorder, school climate, and high-risk gambling behavior.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

From Adolescence to Adulthood: Sharing the Profile of High-Risk Gamblers

This presentation examines gambling risk through a developmental and population lens using data from the 2025 Kansas Gambling Survey. Individuals were classified as low, moderate, or high risk for problem gambling, highlighting the scope and characteristics of gambling-related harm. In 2025, 21% of respondents were moderate risk and 20% high risk, indicating a substantial increase in vulnerability compared to 2017 findings. Demographic and behavioral analyses showed high-risk gamblers reported greater involvement, distinct activity preferences, and higher self-recognition of gambling problems and negative consequences. However, gaps in gambling literacy were observed with high-risk respondents more likely to endorse myths related to odds, skill, and control, suggesting distorted beliefs may sustain risk and harm. Co-occurring DSM-5 substance and gambling-related addictive behaviors and mental health outcomes showed that compared to low-risk gamblers, high-risk individuals were two to eight times more likely to report substance use, four times more likely to report depression, and fifty times more likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. The presentation will share data demonstrating that these associations emerge in youth ages 12–18 and persist into adulthood. Conceptualizing problem gambling as a spectrum, this presentation emphasizes the importance of early identification and developmentally informed prevention, education, and integrated public health responses.