It should come as no surprise to learn that people with mental health issues are overrepresented in the criminal justice system in the United States. Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) reports that as a consequence, correctional facilities have become some of the largest providers of mental health care in the country. Criminal justice expenditures are a major source of spending at the state and local level at around 8% of total spending. However, with budgets tightening, local legislatures and state governments are confronted with reducing these expenditures while maintaining mental/behavioral health of inmates. The initiative is of particular importance for those slated for release (vs lifetime incarcerates) given that it echos into public safety.
To ensure greater effectiveness, forward-thinking correctional institutions seek greater efficiencies in inmate treatment strategies. This involves looking deeper into concerns instead of a taking a generalist approach to mental health. One such concern that is identified in prison populations is problematic gambling behavior. As with a number of prison ongoings, the activity is prohibited but inmates find ways to participate. As a stakeholder who has come upon this resource after having searched for insight into problem gambling in prison, you identified that the issue has infiltrated the walls of your correctional facility. Below is an overview of the matter, along with a look at what can be done to make a positive difference among struggling inmates.
Overview of the Problem Gambling Crisis in American Prisons and What Can Be Done to Intervene
Problem Gambling Statistics in U.S. Prisons
Research shows that the prevalence of problem gambling among prison populations is between 31% and 36%, compared to 2% of the general population. Other statistics of note include the following:
Low-risk problem gambling among incarcerated individuals is more than 12%, while moderate problematic gambling among this group is at 12.5%, and severe is just over 24% (source)
Over 90% of inmates with problem gambling behavior are younger than 47 years, with 17% being under the age of 30 (source)
It’s also important to note that anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic anger/irritability, substance use, and personality disorders are often identified prison inmates. These are all known to cooccur with problematic gambling behavior.
Screening for Problem Gambling Prior to Integration
A recent study has found that eight percent of incarcerated adults report gambling as a primary or partial cause of their current incarceration. Additional statistics to reference include the following:
Gambling behavior is more common (63 %) among inmates convicted of theft or property crimes, compared to those convicted of other crimes (47 %)
The risk of having a gambling problem is 14 times higher among those entering a correctional facility
Understanding this data, it becomes clear that screening for problem gambling is critical prior to new inmate integration into a correctional facility. While there are publicly available tests for gambling disorder (click here) it is important to partner with a problem gambling support platform to asses for gambling disorder in addition to the aforementioned vulnerabilities.
Informing Correctional Officers and Staff
One research project identified a lack of knowledge among correctional facility regarding gambling harms, and in some cases, gambling behavior was encouraged to form a bond with inmates:
“We were encouraged to bet a Mars bar on a game of pool, so we could build a rapport with a prisoner and find out what was going on in the wing, it was intentional and encouraged.”
Staff education regarding gambling harms among the vulnerable prison population is highly encouraged.
Preventing Access (where possible)
Correctional officer and support staff education on the gambling harms will assist in mitigating inmate access. Beyond this, correctional facilities must also consider the gambling risks associated with online access. Supervised internet use (i.e. within prison libraries, etc.) is approved in 49 U.S. correctional systems. Meanwhile, contraband mobile devices are making their way into “white collar” prisons. Facilities must be mindful of this and set IP restrictions to all forms of gaming/gambling platforms in addition to media sites that report on sports betting. Inmates can gather information (moneyline odds, point spreads, props) from the latter and initiate their own gambling operations within a cellblock.
Providing Healthier Alternatives
Inmates who have been identified as exhibiting problematic gambling behavior can benefit from activities that provide similar neurotransmitter (dopamine, serotonin, endorphin, oxytocin) responses, but in a healthier manner. Healthy gambling alternatives that can be integrated to help vulnerable inmates may include the following:
- Encouraged involvement in outdoor fitness during allotted times.
- Meditation exercises.
- Deep breathing mindfulness exercises.
- Start the process of an entrepreneurial endeavor in preparation of release. In some instances, inmates can submit a preliminary plan to organize a business to the director of prison industries.
Provide Access to Support
Correctional institutions are encouraged to supplement existing mental health support services by introducing access to dedicated problem gambling treatment. Providers such as Kindbridge are experts in treating problem gambling and cooccurring mental/behavioral health issues that are prevalent in prison populations. View this recent treatment outcomes report for insight into this effective strategy.
Continue Access for Reintegration in Society
Inmate release plans are developed to connect individuals with services and supports that will be available to them in the community when they are reintegrated into society. Those who have been identified as having a problematic relationship with gambling must have access to PG specific support. In some cases, they (or their families) may be able to cover all or a portion of counseling, but the state should consider this as a part of reintegration investment. Given problem gambling’s role in criminality, this investment is critical to reoffender prevention.
Invest in Research
As alluded to above, incarcerated individuals who struggle with problem gambling and cooccurring issues often face a myriad of mental and social challenges, such as decreased educational attainment, lower level of employment, and housing instability. This makes problem gambling in prison a complex issue that requires further research in order to draw definitive conclusions and build more effective prevention and treatment interventions. Considering that lifetime correctional costs average nearly $3000 per person with gambling disorder, and over $2,200 per person with a gambling problem, it’s clear that more than inmate and public wellbeing is at stake. The financial bottomline of correctional facilities is placed at risk as well. Stakeholders are wise to invest in early intervention, beginning with research specific to their respective facilities.
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Kindbridge Behavioral Health together with the Kindbridge Research Institute comprises America’s most comprehensive problem gambling support platform. Stakeholders in state-managed and private corrections alike are called upon connect to Kindbridge to discuss a collaborative and customized approach to solving the issue with gambling in prisons. Reach out via the contacts provided below.
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
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