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The Effect of Recreational Gambling on Regional Health Outcomes: Evidence from Canadian Provinces

Author

Listed:
  • Brad R. Humphreys

    (West Virginia University, Department of Economics)

  • John A. Nyman

    (University of Minnesota, School of Public Health)

  • Jane E. Ruseski

    (West Virginia University, Department of Economics)

Abstract

The relationship between gambling and health has important economic and public policy implications. We develop causal evidence on this relationship using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey and exploiting regional variation in access to legal gambling. Empirical models treat gambling as an endogenous regressor in explaining regional variation in health outcomes. Results from instrumental variable and bivariate probit models show recreational gambling has no or a negative impact on the probability of having certain chronic conditions and a positive impact on life satisfaction, differing from past studies that find a positive association between problem gambling and adverse health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Brad R. Humphreys & John A. Nyman & Jane E. Ruseski, 2016. "The Effect of Recreational Gambling on Regional Health Outcomes: Evidence from Canadian Provinces," Working Papers 16-28, Department of Economics, West Virginia University.
    • Handle: RePEc:wvu:wpaper:16-28
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    File URL: http://busecon.wvu.edu/phd_economics/pdf/16-28.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gambling; health outcomes; bivariate probit; instrumental variables;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • R28 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Government Policy

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