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MEANING OF GAMBLING IN PRISON: A REPORT FROM OFFENDERS
Project Approved 2004-05

Dr. DJ Williams (Principal Investigator)

Post Doctoral Fellow, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, U of Alberta

The purpose of this research is to explore the possible range of offender in-prison gambling experiences. It is hoped that this study can be used as a starting point for a research program that more fully examines various roles and meanings of offender gambling activity, including such activity within Alberta correctional institutions.

Status (Complete)

The purpose of this grant was to gain knowledge regarding the nature of prison gambling experiences. The research found that there is a wide range of gambling activities in prison, and that offenders apparently gamble for a variety of different reasons. Since there is almost no research available on this topic, this project provided valuable information that can be used to direct future research. Findings also have important practical use for developing correctional policy.

Articles from this research project that have been written and submitted to peer-reviewed journals include the following:

Williams, DJ, & Hinton, M. L. (2007). Insights into gambling in jails and prisons by female offenders, part I. Women, Girls & Criminal Justice, 8, 35-43.

Williams, DJ, & Hinton, M. L. (2007). Insights into gambling in jails and prisons by female offenders. Offender Programs Report, 10, 65-79.

Williams, DJ, & Hinton, M. L. (2006). Leisure experience, prison culture, or victimization? Sex offenders report on prison gambling. Victims and Offenders, 1, 175-192.

Numerous conference presentations have been made that were based on this research project. They have included presentations at the National Organization of Forensic Social Work 2006 Conference, the Twentieth Annual Conference on Prevention, Research, & Treatment of Problem Gambling, and the 13th International Conference on Gambling and Risk-Taking, Alberta.

The Alberta Gaming Research Institute provides grant funding to support peer-endorsed academic investigations into many aspects of gambling research. The contents, recommendations, and findings of the associated research reports, posted on this website, represent the views of the researcher(s).

Last Updated: 06/12/07

Links

• Research Reveals Volume 4, Issue 5 (.PDF 168 K)