A new Kindbridge Research Institute report funded by the Colorado Division of Gaming finds elevated rates of problem gambling and PTSD symptoms among firefighters, police, and other first responders, raising questions about workplace risk factors
A newly released report from the Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI) highlights a significant intersection between gambling-related harm and occupational trauma among first responders in Colorado. The study, funded by the Colorado Division of Gaming and conducted in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions, surveyed 507 firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and rescue personnel. The findings point to high rates of problem gambling and mental health challenges within these professions, particularly among those with repeated exposure to traumatic events.
Key Findings From the KRI Report
According to the KRI study, 94.5% of surveyed first responders reported gambling in the past year. Of these, 44% met the criteria for problem gambling, while another 39% were classified as "at risk" for developing gambling problems. Firefighters emerged as the group with the highest risk, with 49% meeting the threshold for problem gambling and 29% at moderate risk. Among police officers, 42% met the criteria for problem gambling, with 26% at moderate risk. The report also found that 50% of all participants screened positive for possible PTSD-related symptoms, suggesting a strong link between trauma exposure and gambling harm.
Role of Work Environment and Military Experience
The study identified several workplace factors that may contribute to elevated gambling risk, including shift patterns, downtime, and team culture. Firefighters, for example, reported higher gambling frequency, with 38% gambling two or more days per week. The report also highlighted that first responders with current or prior military service faced even greater vulnerability: 69.6% of those currently serving in the military met the criteria for problem gambling, compared to 36.5% of those without military experience. These findings suggest that both occupational and personal history can influence gambling risk among first responders.
Screening, Prevention, and Policy Implications
The KRI report recommends integrating gambling screening into existing mental health and wellness programs for first responders. It also calls for tailored education and prevention strategies that account for the unique pressures and environments of different first responder roles. The study's authors note that while conditions like PTSD and burnout have received attention, gambling harm remains underexplored in these professions. The report's release coincides with Responsible Gambling Month, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and support for high-risk groups.
Efforts to address gambling harm among specialized populations are gaining traction in other jurisdictions as well. For example, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission recently introduced a multi-year strategy to strengthen consumer protection and address gambling-related harm, as detailed in coverage of Victoria's new harm-reduction plan.
Understanding problem gambling requires recognizing the clinical criteria used for diagnosis. According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, a gambling disorder is identified when an individual exhibits at least four out of nine specific behavioral criteria within a 12-month period, resulting in significant distress or impairment. These criteria include tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, preoccupation, gambling to escape distress, chasing losses, concealment, risking relationships or career, and reliance on others for financial bailout. Awareness of these markers is essential for both prevention and early intervention in high-risk groups like first responders.
