A newly released study on gambling behavior and prevalence has revealed a 6% moderate to high risk level of gambling activity in Sint Maarten, prompting urgent calls for reform regarding the gaming industry. This 6% accounts for approximately 2800 persons within our community.
Prevalence: More than one third of residents participated in gambling in the last year
In the past year, 36% of Sint Maarten residents of 18 years and older, reported participating in one or more games of chance. Based on the Sint Maarten Census 20223 the number of participants in gambling in the past year can be estimated between 11,100 and 13,300 residents of 18 years an older. The participation rates among younger residents are higher than among older people: 42% versus 33% participated in the last 12 months. This means that between 2,600 and 3,800 residents aged 18-34 years gambled at least one time in the past year. When asked about the broader social circle, half of all respondents stated that one or a few people in their social environment occasionally engage in gambling (51%). Seven percent reported that most or all people around them gamble.