The 2007 Nova Scotia Adult Gambling Prevalence Study, commissioned by Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection (NSHPP), marks the fourth such study to be conducted in the province and the second using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. This report describes the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling among adults 19 years of age and older who are permanent residents of Nova Scotia, living in private households (n=2,500). It also describes the changes that occurred between 2003 and 2007. In addition to the adult survey, supplementary surveys were administered to a select sub-sample of young adults 19-34 years (n=240)1 and youth (n=85)2 living in these randomly selected households.

The data was segmented and compared by risk for gambling problems using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), the nine scored items of the CPGI. Self-reported gambling problems were also examined by type of gambling activity. A profile of the gambling market in Nova Scotia, including market trends and changes since the last measurement period (2001/02 to 2006/07), was included to provide context.

From October 5 to December 21, 2007, 2,500 adults living in 1,661 randomly selected households throughout the province of Nova Scotia completed a telephone survey incorporating standardized and adapted instruments as well as customized questions in order to measure:

• Gambling participation and problem gambling in general, and by gambling activity
• Gambling perceptions, attitudes, behaviours etc.
• Exposure to problem gambling at a household, family and community level
• Awareness and use of problem gambling support services and programs
• Other substance use and dependency • General health and well-being
• Gambling advertising awareness and evaluation (promotional and preventative)

The study achieved an overall response rate of 60.6%, with 77.2% of all eligible, randomly selected households on the sample fully screened and 78.5% of all adults identified in each household successfully taking part in the study. Results for total adults in the study are accurate within ± 1.96% at the 95% confidence interval (95 times out of 100).

Reference: NOVA SCOTIA Health Promotion and Protection