Most Nova Scotians will never develop a problem with gambling. At some point in their lives, 5.5 per cent of adults have experienced problems with gambling. The measure has a margin of error of plus or minus of two to three per cent. The 1993 study showed 4.8 per cent of adult Nova Scotians reported experiencing a gambling problem at some point in their life, with a similar margin of error. The overall change between the two studies is within the margin of error for the method used to collect the data.
Men are more likely to be problem gamblers than women.
Problem gamblers are more likely to be young men, with a high school diploma or less, who began gaming activity at about age 24-25, more likely through card games with friends. Problem gamblers are more likely to participate in more than one wagering activity weekly. Gambling rates in Nova Scotia are consistent with rates across Canada in provinces that have used the same measure. At present, Nova Scotia is leading a national initiative to develop even better methods of measuring problem gambling, and to develop consistency in provincial measures.