The phrase learning disabilities is used to describe to a number of disorders which are known to affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of information. These disorders typically affect both verbal and nonverbal learning and use of academic skills such as reading, writing, or mathematics. They differ from more severe intellectual deficiencies in that individuals with learning disabilities (LDs) generally demonstrate average-or-better abilities for thinking and/or reasoning.
Until recent times a large proportion of people with LDs slugged through America’s educational systems without being considered for diagnosis. Uninformed parents, educators, and even adolescents themselves chalked up poor performance to a lack of intelligence or motivation, pigeonholed in the proverbial (and often literal) schoolyard as being lazy or dumb. Fortunately, great strides have been made in the United States over the last two decades. Parents, teachers, and individuals have learned to identify signs and symptoms of LDs and become empowered with interventions to make disorders more manageable. People can thrive in a wide variety of professions and attain monolithic success in their chosen paths despite living with an LD. They can also participate with fervor in an equally large number of activities and pursuits without cause for concern. There are however, some activities to avoid as LDs are known to be linked to compulsive behavior. Gambling is included in this short list, which is becoming increasingly problematic as it steps into the mainstream via the proliferation of legalized sports betting and online gaming.
Read ahead to learn more about why learning disabilities and gambling are a risky combination.
Overview of the Relationship Between Learning Disabilities and Problem Gambling
Types of Learning Disabilities
The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA) designates five primary disorders as learning disabilities:
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
- Auditory processing disorder
- Language processing disorder
The LDAA also references nonverbal learning disabilities and visual perceptual disabilities, but these are less defined as those listed above. Below is a look at statistics regarding learning disabilities and problem gambling.
Statistics Defining Comorbidity Between Learning Disabilities and Problem Gambling
A wide body of research confirms a link between learning disabilities and gambling behavior. Below are statistics compiled by Kindbridge Behavioral Health (KB) and studies from other institutions in the United States:
Gambling behavior cooccurs with 21% of those with learning disabilities [KBH]
22.3% of probable problem gamblers cite having been diagnosed with a learning disability at a greater rate than non gamblers (9.4%) and social gamblers (7.8%) [GDBHDD]
17% of problem gamblers aged 16‐18 years old had a primary diagnosis of a learning disorder [GDBHDD]
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is statistically higher in people with dyslexia (nearly 20%) compared to those in a control group without dyslexia [NLM]
Interestingly on the early education front, is that Oregon Health Authority (OHA) studies on adolescents have found the association between learning difficulties and problem gambling only among boys while no association is found among girls. This needs to be considered when introducing early intervention strategies for LD and gambling behavior.
Also of interest, is a quote from another study regarding people with LDs who exhibited gambling behavior:
“Many participants were aware of different gambling products, and a few participants could describe in detail the technical aspects of electronic gambling machines. Most participants did not specifically recall seeing gambling harm minimization messages.”
There are certainly implications regarding learning disabilities and Responsible Gaming messaging that is already lacking on a number of operator platforms. Can someone with dyslexia, which involves difficulty reading and connecting letters and words to intended meanings, be expected to decipher the “fine print” regarding Responsible Gaming in online betting apps and on the casino floor?
Disorders Related to LDs Also Linked to Problem Gambling
There are other disorders that are mislabelled by the public as being learning disabilities because they exhibit some of the same signs and symptoms of LDs. Sufferers of these disorders often do exhibit impairments in learning. These include Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It’s important to draw attention to these “adjacent” disorders because they too have a cooccurring relationship with problem gambling. Reference the links below for more information:
What Needs to be Done
Early Intervention Education
Learning disabilities are typically identified during early education. This is when interventions are introduced to help young people manage the symptoms of LDs so that they can attain success in school, future careers, and life in general. Given the known association between learning disabilities and gambling behavior, it is clear that adolescents and their parents should be informed about this vulnerability. Further,, problem gambling support programs should be made available through educational systems (secondary and post-secondary) together with behavioral health providers to intervene on behalf of those who have already developed a compulsion to gamble.
Better Responsible Gaming Messaging
Operators can do better, much better, when it comes to Responsible Gaming messaging on both online platforms and land-cased casino settings. Among recommended Responsible Gaming strategies for sports betting and casino gaming operators, is a call to integrate pre-gaming messaging about pre-existing conditions that are associated with risk of problem gambling. Players with LDs and other disorders may not realize that they are more vulnerable to developing a problematic relationship with gambling. Ethical operators are beholden to be more clear about this risk. They may consider adding improved verbal and not verbal messaging. This messaging should appear upfront and center at login (websites and apps) and upon arrival at land-based casinos in addition to being appended to slot machines and table-game areas.
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