Guiding Gambling Policy and Problem Gambling Treatment Decisions Using ArcGIS StoryMaps

Session Title

Public Health: Monitoring & Data Innovation

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

The expansion of online wagering has highlighted problem gambling as a growing public health concern. Developing evidence-based methods to identify specific subgroups of individuals disproportionately impacted by gambling is critical to guide public policy and treatment service initiatives. The goal of the current study is to use GIS mapping to identify geographic areas with residents most at risk for gambling problems in a northeastern state. We created a progressive five-map ArcGIS StoryMap, culminating in a comparative risk assessment. Specifically, maps display demographic and socioeconomic indicators associated with problem gambling risk (Map 1); the proportion of residents who engaged in online sports wagering (Map 2) and online casino gambling (i.e., iGaming)(Map 3); overall online gambling prevalence and the location of land-based gambling venues, with a 20-minute drive-time analysis (Map 4); and ZIP code-level risk scores, presented in relation to in-person supports and treatment services (Map 5). Demographic and socioeconomic data were sourced from the 2022 American Community Survey, and bettor-level gambling data were extracted from yearly reports to regulators in the state. Locations of counseling and support services were identified through national and state databases and independently verified. Risk scores were calculated as weighted composites based on the prevalence and strength of indicators related to gambling problems (i.e., point-biserial correlations).

Author Bios

Jackie Stanmyre, Ph.D., serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Gambling Studies (CGS) in the Rutgers University School of Social Work. Her grant-funded research focuses on improving gambling screening and intervention, analyzing sports wagering and online gambling play-by-play data, and supervising the use of sophisticated analytic techniques to inform policy decision-making. Dr. Stanmyre additionally studies emerging adults, including fraternity and sorority members and intercollegiate athletes, as well as coaches and other disproportionately affected populations.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

Guiding Gambling Policy and Problem Gambling Treatment Decisions Using ArcGIS StoryMaps

The expansion of online wagering has highlighted problem gambling as a growing public health concern. Developing evidence-based methods to identify specific subgroups of individuals disproportionately impacted by gambling is critical to guide public policy and treatment service initiatives. The goal of the current study is to use GIS mapping to identify geographic areas with residents most at risk for gambling problems in a northeastern state. We created a progressive five-map ArcGIS StoryMap, culminating in a comparative risk assessment. Specifically, maps display demographic and socioeconomic indicators associated with problem gambling risk (Map 1); the proportion of residents who engaged in online sports wagering (Map 2) and online casino gambling (i.e., iGaming)(Map 3); overall online gambling prevalence and the location of land-based gambling venues, with a 20-minute drive-time analysis (Map 4); and ZIP code-level risk scores, presented in relation to in-person supports and treatment services (Map 5). Demographic and socioeconomic data were sourced from the 2022 American Community Survey, and bettor-level gambling data were extracted from yearly reports to regulators in the state. Locations of counseling and support services were identified through national and state databases and independently verified. Risk scores were calculated as weighted composites based on the prevalence and strength of indicators related to gambling problems (i.e., point-biserial correlations).