Gambling behavior subtypes among respondents with gambling-related problems in a population-based sample.

Latent class analysis was used to delineate distinctive subgroups of gamblers and examine whether they differed by demographics and gambling severity. Data from three Canadian provinces focused on respondents who reported at least some risk of problem gambling in the past year (N=1,071). Three latent classes were distinguished: a low on most items group (class 1), a behaviorally conditioned/substance abusing impulsive/emotionally vulnerable (or all types) group (class 2), and a familial-genetic/behaviorally conditioned group (class 3). Gamblers in classes 2 and 3 were most likely to be moderate-risk and problem gamblers. Community-based prevention efforts may need to address each subgroup differently but also according to their characteristics.