A gambling disorder, when left untreated, can quickly spiral into criminal activity once legal sources of income have been exhausted. According to the Oregon Department of Health Services, two in three individuals with a gambling problem commit crimes in order to pay off debts or to continue gambling.
It is important that law enforcement and correctional systems professionals understand the nature of problem gambling and its role as a precursor to criminal activities such as:
- Illegal drug use, possession, or trafficking
- Domestic violence or assault
- Theft or robbery
- Underground betting pools and arenas