The Definition and Predictors of Relapse in Problem Gambling: Final Report

Problem gambling is associated with significant personal and societal harms. Australia’s Gambling Industries Productivity Commission Report (1999) estimated that up to 2% of Australian adults are considered “problem gamblers”, who experience serious impacts including suicide, occupational loss and family breakdown. For each problem gambler, it is estimated that a further seven individuals are directly affected (AusInfo, 1999).

With an increasing prevalence of problem gambling in Australia associated with the introduction of electronic gaming machines, research into problem gambling has focussed mainly on its prevalence and finding effective treatments. Research into relapse in problem gambling has received little attention in Australia and internationally. This study was funded by Gambling Research Australia to develop a definition of relapse, examine the predictors of relapse and propose a model of relapse in problem gambling.

It suggested that the Final Report is read first as it integrates the most important details of each of the four subsidiary studies, which are presented for further detailed examination.