Manitoba Gambling and Problem Gambling 2006 [Canada]

The Manitoba Gambling and Problem Gambling 2006 Study was commissioned by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM), an organization responsible for providing rehabilitation and prevention services for Manitoba citizens related to substance use and problem gambling. The goal of AFM’s research program is to better inform rehabilitation practice, public education, and health policy. The survey design for this study is based on the previous survey, Gambling involvement and problem gambling in Manitoba 2001. The survey questionnaire collected information with respect to: Gambling activity – Game types, frequency, financial commitments, reasons for gambling; Risk factors - Recall of big wins/losses, belief in gambling myths; Problem Gambling Severity Index; Alcohol use – Questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT); Other substance use - Tobacco, marijuana etc.; Mental Health - Questions relating to anxiety, depression etc.; Demographic characteristics, and; Spirituality Random digit dialing was applied, allowing for the inclusion of residents with unlisted or new numbers. This technique produces a random sample that includes the highest possible percentage of eligible respondents. The data were weighted by gender, age and income in order to accurately represent the population of Manitoba. In total, 6007 adult residents of Manitoba were contacted by Prairie Research Associates (PRA) Inc., and asked to complete a telephone survey. Signed consent was not required as the participants were guaranteed complete anonymity. The survey response rate was 42.4%. The margin of error for the sample is +/- 1.29%, indicating accuracy 19 times out of 20.