Gambling severity and the use of social and health care services in Finland

Abstract Gambling-related harms constitute a significant public health concern, with adverse effects ranging from financial difficulties to mental health disorders. Therefore, people experiencing gambling-related harm may need different kinds of services. While previous studies have examined the prevalence and impacts of problematic gambling, less is known how individuals who gamble use social and health care services. This study examines the social and health care usage between gambling severity groups: (1) non-gambling, (2) recreational, (3) at risk and (4) problem gambling. We aim to examine whether people with risk or problematic gambling use more social and health care services compared to non-gamblers, and what increases the probability to use social and health care services with individuals in different groups. The study used data from the population-based Healthy Finland survey (N = 28,154, 49.3%). Health and social care use were measured with separate questions by asking if participants had used services in the past 12 months (yes/no). Our results show that among individuals with problem gambling, 86% had utilized health care services, and 18% social care services during the past year, which was somewhat higher than among individuals who did not gamble. Among different gambling severity groups, it seemed, that the use of health care services is less common among men, younger individuals, people with excessive alcohol use and among those with higher income. Among individuals with problem gambling and low-risk gambling, the utilization of social services was more common among those with lower income, individuals experiencing psychological distress and long-standing illnesses. These results provide new knowledge on how people with different levels of risk for gambling harm use social and health services, and support to develop social and health services in responding to gambling problems. Key messages • People who experience different levels of risk or problem gambling are already patients in health care, and we need to make sure, that gambling is recognized behind the service use. • With these results we can understand who of those experiencing gambling problems are not in health care services, and develop practices to increase help-seeking.