Abstract
There is an absence of research on gambling among prison inmates during their incarceration. Little is known about how prisoners organize gambling activities or the potential risks they face from gambling. Similarly, no empirical attention has been given to how correctional institutions respond to inmate gambling. This study employed interviews with 55 male prisoners and self-administered surveys with 159 correctional officers and staff, at two medium security prisons in Ohio. Data were gathered on prevalence and patterns of inmate gambling, perceived hazards of gambling, and perceived institutional responses to prisoner gambling. Findings suggest that inmate gambling is common and constitutes an important feature of the underground economy of prisons, yet little is done to deter or prevent this activity. Suggestions are made for more effective institutional responses.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abbott, M. W., McKenna, B. G., & Giles, L. C. (2000). Gambling and problem gambling among recently sentenced male prisoners in four New Zealand prisons. Wellington, New Zealand: The Department of Internal Affairs.
Crockford, D. N., & el-Guebaly, N. (1998). Psychiatric comorbidity in pathological gambling: A critical review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 43, 43–50.
Hausman, J., Muskegon Chronicle. Inmate fighting at Muskegon prison results in several injuries. September 22, 2010.
Meyer, G., & Stadler, M. A. (1999). Criminal behavior associated with pathological gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 13, 29–43.
National Gambling Impact Study Commission. (1999). National Gambling Impact Study – Final Report. Chicago: National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.
Nixon, G., Leigh, G., & Nowatszki, N. (2006). Impacting attitudes toward gambling: A prison gambling awareness and prevention program. Journal of Gambling Issues, 17, 1–15.
Williams, D. J. (2008). Offender gambling in prisons and jails: Is it hidden leisure experience? The Correctional Psychologist, 40(3), 7–10.
Williams, D. J. (2009). New research on prisoner gambling: Correctional considerations and implications for re-entry. Exclusive article written for Prison Legal News, 20(10).
Williams, D. J., & Hinton, M. L. (2006). Leisure experience, prison culture, or victimization? Sex offenders report on prison gambling. Victims and Offenders, 1, 175–192.
Williams, D. J., & Walker, G. J. (2009). Does offender gambling on the inside continue on the outside? Insights from correctional professionals on gambling and re-entry. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 48, 402–441.
Williams, R. J., Royston, J., & Hagen, B. F. (2005). Gambling and problem gambling within forensic populations: A review of the literature. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 32, 665–689.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McEvoy, A., Spirgen, N. Gambling Among Prison Inmates: Patterns and Implications. J Gambl Stud 28, 69–76 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9245-1
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9245-1