College students' gambling behavior: When does it become harmful?

Objective: The authors investigated behavioral indicators of pathological gambling in a college student sample. Participants and Methods: The authors administered a diagnostic interview for pathological gambling to 159 college students, who also completed a demographic questionnaire, and a self-report measure of psychological distress. Results: Consistent patterns of gambling behavior associated with pathological gambling included gambling more than 1.2 times per month, gambling more than 2.1 hours per month. intending to wager more than 61% of monthly income. and wagering more than 10.5% of monthly income, In addition, the combination of psychological distress. gambling frequency. and a history of parental gambling problems Was significantly associated with pathological gambling in college students. Conclusions: These findings suggest initial markers of problematic gambling, behavior in it College sample that may be used in assessment prevention. and intervention.