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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Mark G. Farrell, JD¹, Jessica Aungst, MPH², and Thomas H. Nochajski, PhD². (1) School of Law and School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, SUNY, 219 Parker Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, 716-565-3176, judgefarrell@aol.com, (2) School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, SUNY, 219 Parker Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214

Individuals classified as pathological gamblers are more likely to commit crimes, commit suicide, declare bankruptcy, and have marital and related family difficulties than those who are not pathological gamblers. Individuals who commit gambling-related crimes are generally incarcerated or fined for their crimes. However, incarcerated individuals have limited, if any, access to treatment for gambling disorders and may return to crime or experience other negative consequences due to continued problem gambling. Based upon the therapeutic justice model, the Amherst Court, which handles about 9,000 criminal cases per year, has established the first gambling treatment court in the nation. Defendants identified during the judicial process as having possible gambling disorders are referred for assessments and, if appropriate, entered into gambling court. The gambling court operates similarly to drug court, punishing non-compliance and rewarding progress. Approximately 100 people have been screened and more than 50 have participated in gambling court since its initiation in 2001. Each year, the number of clients has grown and the program has matured. At the beginning of 2006, 21 people were active in the court. Approximately 76% were male and 76% Caucasian. The average age of participants was 31 years. Past gambling court graduates have not committed any new crimes and none of the clients have attempted suicide during court participation. The Amherst gambling court has been recognized nationally as a model for the development of similar courts, which could improve the mental health and lives of those impacted by gambling disorders and reduce crime in affected communities.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Describe how people with gambling disorders become involved in the criminal justice system.
• Articulate the process by which gambling court participants are identified and treated and how this process differs from usual criminal justice procedures.
• Discuss at least 3 effects of gambling court on participants.
• Identify ways in which the Amherst gambling court model could be applied in other courts.

Keywords: Criminal Justice, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 134.5 kb)