A comparison of gambling behaviors and beliefs in rural and urban populations in Pennsylvania

Introduction: Little is known about the differences between rural and urban gamblers and potential vulnerabilities that may be unique to either population. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate differences between rural and urban Pennsylvanians’ gambling behaviors and beliefs. Methods: A dual-frame random digit dial survey was conducted in the US state of Pennsylvania. The analyses included a final sample of 1934 Pennsylvanian adults, with nearly three-quarters of the sample residing in rural counties. The survey was designed to assess online and offline gambling prevalence, engagement in different gambling formats, risk for problem gambling, motivations to gamble online, beliefs about gambling, and demographic characteristics. Results: Prevalence rates were higher in urban populations for both online and offline gambling. However, those living in rural areas tended to gamble on more gambling formats. Motivations were largely the same in both regions, and there were no differences in risk for problem gambling. Beliefs about gambling harms and benefits were similar in urban and rural populations, but those in rural areas were less likely to believe all forms of gambling should be legal. In addition, there were several demographic differences, which largely reflected existing differences between those living in rural and urban areas. Conclusion: Findings suggest a need for provision of policies, treatment, and prevention targeting those living in rural areas, where individuals may be at a greater risk of developing a gambling problem due to less access to relevant service.