How Common Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a growing concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding how common this condition is can help raise awareness and encourage those affected to seek help. This blog post provides all the latest stats on gambling addiction, examining its occurrence across different populations.

Global Prevalence of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a significant global concern, with prevalence rates varying widely across different countries and regions. Studies suggest that the worldwide prevalence of gambling addiction ranges from 1.2% to 6.0%, reflecting the diverse cultural, legal, and economic factors that shape gambling behavior.

According to QuitGamble, countries with the highest reported rates of gambling addiction include:

Latvia: With a prevalence rate of 6%, Latvia has the highest rate of gambling addiction globally. This can be attributed to a combination of factors such as cultural acceptance of gambling, easy access to gambling venues, economic challenges, limited regulatory oversight, and insufficient mental health resources. Additionally, demographic trends, particularly among younger populations, contribute to the high incidence of gambling addiction in the country.
Hong Kong: Approximately 5.8% of the population is affected by gambling addiction. Gambling is deeply embedded in Hong Kong’s culture, and activities like horse racing and lotteries are widely accepted. This normalization increases participation and raises the risk of gambling disorders. Concerningly, younger populations are increasingly involved in gambling activities; for instance, underage individuals have a 2.6% prevalence of probable pathological gambling (severe gambling).
China: Gambling addiction affects close to 4% of the population in China. Although most forms of gambling for profit are illegal, this prohibition may contribute to higher rates of gambling disorders. The fear of legal repercussions often prevents individuals from seeking help, further complicating the identification and treatment of compulsive gambling.

Other countries with notable prevalence rates include:

Finland: Around 3.3% of the population is affected by gambling addiction, driven in part by the widespread availability of state-run lotteries and slot machines in everyday locations. Finland has a high density of gambling opportunities, including approximately 20,000 slot machines located in various public venues.
Canada: Approximately 3.2% of Canada’s population is affected by gambling addiction. The country provides numerous gambling opportunities, including casinos, lotteries, and online platforms, making it widely accessible. In 2021, nearly two-thirds (64.5%) of Canadians aged 15 and older participated in gambling, with rates even higher among the Indigenous population, where cultural and socio-economic factors may increase vulnerability to gambling-related issues.
Australia: Approximately 3.1% of the population in Australia is affected by gambling addiction. Although regulations exist to govern gambling activities, the rapid growth of online platforms has surpassed these regulatory efforts. Studies indicate that around two in five adult Australians gamble at least weekly, highlighting the widespread nature of gambling participation.
United Kingdom: The prevalence of gambling disorder in the United Kingdom is estimated to be around 2.5%, according to the latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB). This translates to approximately 1.3 million adults in the UK who have experienced problem gambling.
Norway: Approximately 1.4% of the population is affected by gambling addiction. Although Norway has implemented strict regulations to govern gambling and promote responsible gaming, the effectiveness of these measures can vary. Exposure to gambling-related advertising, especially from unregulated foreign operators, may contribute to increased participation rates, complicating efforts to manage and reduce gambling addiction in the country.

These varying rates are influenced by multiple factors, including cultural attitudes toward gambling, the legality and accessibility of gambling activities, economic conditions, and differences in data collection and reporting methods.

Countries With the Lowest Gambling Rates

According to various studies, Denmark has one of the lowest reported prevalence rates of gambling disorder, with only 0.1% of the population affected by pathological gambling. Switzerland also reports a similarly low prevalence rate of 0.1%, indicating effective regulatory measures and a controlled gambling environment. Spain follows closely, with a reported rate of 0.2%, reflecting comparatively low levels of problem gambling. These countries’ low prevalence rates may be attributed to strict gambling regulations, public awareness campaigns, and accessible resources for prevention and treatment.

Gambling Addiction in the United States

Gambling addiction is a significant public health concern in the United States, impacting millions of individuals across the country. Research estimates that between 1.2% and 6.2% of Americans are estimated to have gambling problems, which translates to approximately 10 million to 20 million people who are either experiencing gambling addiction or at risk of developing it.

The prevalence of gambling addiction varies across different states, reflecting regional differences in gambling availability, cultural attitudes, and economic conditions. (The prevalence rates were compiled from the research stated above.)

Oklahoma: With an estimated 6.2% of its population affected, Oklahoma has the highest rate of gambling addiction in the country. The state’s numerous casinos and gambling establishments contribute to this high prevalence.
Nevada: Known for its expansive gambling industry, including Las Vegas, Nevada has a gambling addiction prevalence rate of about 6%. The state’s economy is heavily tied to gambling, which may contribute to the elevated rate.
North Carolina: Approximately 5.5% of North Carolinians are estimated to have gambling addiction, influenced by the presence of both tribal casinos and legalized state lottery games.
New York: With a prevalence rate of 4.3%, New York’s gambling addiction problem is significant, particularly in urban areas where access to gambling venues and online betting is widespread.
Illinois: About 3.9% of the population in Illinois is estimated to have gambling problems, reflecting the state’s numerous casinos, racetracks, and lottery options.
Michigan: Michigan reports a gambling addiction rate of 3.2%, influenced by the state’s large number of casinos, both tribal and commercial, as well as online gambling platforms.
Montana: In Montana, around 2.5% of the population is affected by gambling addiction, with the state’s wide availability of video gaming machines being a contributing factor.
California: California, with its extensive network of tribal casinos and state lottery, also reports a gambling addiction rate of 2.5%.
Ohio: Approximately 1.4% of Ohio’s population struggles with gambling addiction, with the state’s racinos and casinos contributing to this figure.
Florida: Florida has a gambling addiction rate of about 1.2%, influenced by its mix of casinos, horse racing, and lottery games.

These statistics highlight the widespread nature of problematic gambling behavior across the United States, underscoring the need for targeted prevention efforts, increased public awareness, and accessible treatment options.

Gambling Addiction Rates by Age

Gambling addiction rates in the United States vary significantly by age, reflecting different levels of engagement and risk among various demographics. Here’s a breakdown of the key statistics:

(The prevalence rates provided below are compiled from multiple studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and QuitGamble.)

Ages 14-17: Approximately 4-5% of adolescents in this age group exhibit signs of problem gambling. An estimated 10-14% of high school students are at risk of gambling issues. The National Research Council has noted that the prevalence of pathological gambling among adolescents could be more than three times that of adults.
Ages 18-24: This age group has the highest prevalence of gambling addiction, with rates around 7.1%. Young adults are particularly vulnerable due to increased access to online gambling and sports betting. College students are especially at risk, with 75% reporting that they have gambled in the past year and 6% gambling compulsively.
Ages 25-34: Over 5% of individuals in this age bracket report gambling problems, making it a significant concern. Nearly 36% of problem gamblers fall within this age range, driven by heavy engagement in online betting and sports-related gambling activities.
Ages 35-54: The prevalence of gambling addiction decreases in this demographic, with rates around 2.7%. This decline suggests that as individuals age, they may become less engaged in gambling activities, though it remains a concern for some.
Ages 55 and Older: This group has the lowest reported rates of gambling addiction, estimated at around 0.5%. However, rates of problem gambling among seniors are increasing, with older adults representing the fastest-growing segment of people with gambling issues, as noted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

These age-specific trends highlight the importance of targeted prevention and intervention strategies to address disordered gambling across different life stages.

Most Common Co-Occurring Conditions

Gambling addiction frequently co-occurs with various mental health conditions, making treatment and recovery more complex. Understanding how common these co-occurring conditions are is crucial for providing comprehensive care.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Approximately 24.9% of treatment-seeking problem gamblers screen positively for ADHD, a rate significantly higher than the 14% prevalence in the general population. This overlap suggests that impulsivity and attention difficulties common in ADHD may contribute to problematic gambling behaviors.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): About 30% of people with gambling disorder meet the criteria for OCPD. This connection indicates a notable overlap, where rigid perfectionism and a preoccupation with control may exacerbate compulsive gambling behaviors.
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are prevalent among individuals with gambling addiction, with approximately 37.4% reporting a history of anxiety. The presence of anxiety can drive the urge to gamble as a maladaptive coping mechanism, complicating the treatment process.
Depression: There’s a strong association between depression and gambling disorder, with between 55% and 60% of individuals with depression also experiencing gambling problems. The lifetime prevalence of major depression among those with gambling disorders ranges from 33.3% to 76%, underscoring the need for integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions.
Personality Disorders: A significant majority—93%—of individuals seeking treatment for gambling addiction meet the criteria for at least one personality disorder, particularly Cluster B disorders like antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). These personality disorders can complicate treatment and exacerbate the challenges of managing gambling addiction.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among people with gambling problems ranges from 14.8% to 24%. This association highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma-related symptoms in those struggling with gambling addiction.
Substance Use Disorders (SUD): There is a strong correlation between gambling disorder and substance use disorders, with nearly 30% to 50% of individuals in treatment for SUDs also having a gambling problem. People with gambling problems are significantly more likely to drink alcohol, use illicit drugs, and smoke, further complicating the recovery process. For instance, problem gamblers are about 7.2 times more likely to drink alcohol and are 3.3 times more likely to have an alcohol use disorder.

These co-occurring conditions underscore the need for an integrated treatment approach that addresses both gambling addiction and the accompanying mental health disorders to improve outcomes for those affected.

Online Gambling and Its Impact on Addiction

The rapid expansion of online gambling in the United States has significantly influenced the prevalence and nature of compulsive gambling. Studies indicate that the U.S. online gambling market is expected to grow from USD 5.12 billion in 2024 to USD 10.98 billion by 2029, driven by the increasing accessibility and convenience of gambling from any location. New Jersey currently leads as the largest regulated online gambling market in the U.S., reflecting the widespread adoption of online platforms. This growth is particularly notable among younger demographics, with 48% of millennials and 36% of Gen Z reporting that they have only wagered online.

The legalization of online sports betting in 2018 has further contributed to the rise in gambling-related issues. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) reported a 30% increase in gambling problems since sports betting was legalized. Sports betting now accounts for about 65% of revenue in the online gambling sector, underscoring its significant impact on the industry.

Globally, 81% of problem gamblers participate in online gambling, while in the U.S., 59% of problem gamblers report gambling online. The ease of access, anonymity, and constant availability of online gambling platforms make it particularly difficult for individuals to recognize and control problematic behaviors, further contributing to the growing challenge of online gambling addiction.

The Most Popular Forms of Gambling

Gambling takes many forms, each attracting a different segment of the population based on accessibility, personal preference, and cultural factors. In the United States, several types of gambling are particularly popular:

Slot Machines: Slot machines are the most popular form of gambling in the U.S., with 68% of people who gamble reporting that they play slot machines most often. Their widespread availability in casinos and online platforms, combined with their simple gameplay, contributes to their popularity.
Card Games: Casino games like poker, blackjack, and solitaire are also widely played. According to a recent YouGov poll, 60% of Americans have played poker at some point in their lives, making it one of the top card games alongside blackjack (70%) and solitaire (83%). These table games are often played both recreationally and competitively in casinos and online.
Lottery Tickets: Scratch-off lottery tickets are another popular form of gambling, with over a third (37%) of Americans having played them in the last 12 months. Jackpot games like Mega Millions and Powerball are also highly popular, with 26% of Americans purchasing tickets. Interestingly, jackpot games are more popular among baby boomers (30%) compared to younger generations like Gen Zers (16%) and millennials (24%).
Sports Betting: Sports betting has seen significant growth in recent years, with 39% of Americans reporting that they have bet on sporting events. As of 2023, around 70% of U.S. sports bettors gamble weekly, indicating a high level of regular engagement with this form of gambling, particularly among younger demographics.

These forms of gambling are ingrained in American culture, each offering a different experience that appeals to various groups. Understanding these popular types of gambling activities is crucial for addressing the broader impact of gambling on individuals and society.

Financial Consequences of Gambling Addiction

The financial impact of gambling addiction in the U.S. is significant, affecting both individuals and society. While gambling contributes positively to the economy, particularly through regulated industries, it also leads to severe financial hardships for those struggling with addiction.

Illegal and Unregulated Gambling: According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), Americans wager approximately $511 billion annually with illegal and unregulated gambling operators, which undermines the benefits of the regulated market and exacerbates financial risks for individuals.
Sports Betting: In 2023, Americans wagered a record $119.84 billion on sports betting, marking a 27.5% increase from the previous year. This generated $10.92 billion in revenue, highlighting the growing prominence of sports betting in the U.S. economy.

According to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD):

Lifetime Financial Costs: For pathological gamblers, the estimated lifetime financial cost is around $11,304, or approximately $1,200 annually. Problem gamblers incur slightly lower costs, estimated at $5,130 over a lifetime, or about $715 annually. These costs often manifest in gambling debt accumulation, financial distress, and loss of savings.
Bankruptcy and Debt: Around 20% to 30% of pathological gamblers have declared bankruptcy, a stark contrast to only 4.2% of low-risk and non-gamblers. The average cost to creditors per personal bankruptcy is estimated to be around $39,000. In addition, pathological gamblers face excess lifetime costs of $3,300 related to bankruptcy, while problem gamblers incur about $1,600 in similar costs.
Household Financial Strain: Households in states with legalized gambling have seen declines in savings and credit scores, alongside a 28% increase in bankruptcy filings. These financial pressures can destabilize families and lead to long-term economic challenges.
Welfare and Unemployment: Problem and pathological gamblers often experience employment instability, with a significant percentage receiving unemployment benefits. The excess cost of welfare benefits per gambler is estimated at $150 annually, reflecting the broader societal impact of gambling addiction.
Overall Social Costs: The national social cost of problem gambling is estimated at $14 billion annually, accounting for healthcare expenses, job loss, and other related consequences. This figure underscores the widespread financial toll that gambling addiction imposes on individuals, families, and society at large.

Addressing the financial consequences of excessive gambling requires comprehensive support systems, including financial counseling and access to treatment programs, to mitigate the long-term economic damage.

Treatment Statistics for Gambling Addiction

Despite the serious impact of gambling addiction, only a small percentage of individuals seek professional treatment. According to the Rutgers Addiction Research Center, only around 8% of the adult population with gambling disorders seek help for their condition. This low rate of treatment may be due to factors such as stigma, denial, or a lack of awareness about available resources. The gap between the number of individuals affected and those who receive treatment highlights the need for increased awareness and access to support services for those struggling with gambling addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction, Encore Outpatient Services in Arlington, VA, offers specialized treatment programs to support recovery. Our experienced team provides comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs. Contact Encore Outpatient Services today to learn how we can help you take the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free life.