Gambling Addiction Statistics: 10 Things You Need To Know

3. Who Develops a Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction doesn’t discriminate—it can impact individuals of any age, gender, income level, or background. However, research indicates certain patterns and higher-risk groups, including those with mental health disorders, a history of substance abuse, or high impulsivity. College students and adolescents are among those most at risk due to early exposure and a lack of awareness around gambling-related consequences.

4. Gambling Addiction by Gender

Available data indicates that gambling problems are more prevalent in men than in women. One study observed that 20.1% of male gamblers reported issues, while only 7.8% of female gamblers did. Men frequently gravitate towards gambling activities requiring strategy, such as sports betting or poker, whereas women often prefer games of chance like slot machines. This difference in types of gambling⁷ is relevant when considering targeted interventions. It should also highlight the devastating rates of addiction in gambling as a whole, regardless of gender.

5. Gambling Addiction by Age

Young or emerging adults, specifically those between 18 and 24, face the highest risk for developing gambling disorders. Several factors contribute to this heightened vulnerability, including impulsivity, ongoing brain development, and the increasing normalization of gambling through easily accessible apps and video games. 

Here are some specific risks for emerging adults:⁸

• Increased accessibility and availability of devices: Easy access to digital platforms and devices can lead to compulsive usage.
• Insufficient parental supervision: A lack of oversight from parents can contribute to increased risk.
• Peer pressure: Influence from peers to engage in digital gambling activities can be a significant factor.
• Social anxiety: Young individuals experiencing social anxiety may be more vulnerable.
• Adolescent developmental stage: This period is characterized by increased autonomy, identity formation, social exploration, brain development, and often high levels of sensation-seeking and impulsivity, all of which can increase susceptibility.

Sports betting apps like DraftKings and FanDuel have made it easier for young people, especially young men, to engage in gambling behavior frequently. Those apps even use targeted marketing strategies like creating partnerships with universities, only inflaming the devastating impact on college-aged kids. Notably, 10% of young men under 30 are considered problem gamblers,⁹ and 7% of women in the same age range meet those criteria.

6. Gambling Addiction by Race

Studies suggest that gambling problems may be more prevalent in certain racial and ethnic groups.¹⁰ The data for this is older, and certainly demands more study, but the statistics are still worth exploring. For instance, 2.2% of Black Americans and 2.3% of Native/Asian Americans experience disordered gambling, compared to 1.2% of White Americans.

These disparities are often influenced by social determinants, including the acceptance of and access to gambling, and the socioeconomic advantages or disadvantages of the individual. Unfortunately, as gambling becomes more accessible and advertising becomes more targeted, rates of use across races could follow the trend of skyrocketing addiction rates.

7. Gambling by Region

Gambling access varies by state, influencing addiction rates. States with high concentrations of casinos or legalized online gambling—like Nevada, South Dakota, and Montana—tend to report more gambling-related problems. WalletHub’s 2025 report ranks these states among the most gambling-addicted in the U.S.¹¹ Regional differences often reflect the types of gambling available and regulatory approaches taken by state governments.

8. Types of Gambling and Addiction Rates

Different types of  gambling activities carry different risks. Here’s a look at various types of gambling and different types of risk potential:

• Slot machines and electronic gaming: High risk due to rapid play and intermittent rewards.
• Sports betting: Particularly risky for young men,¹² with 8.9% of adults and 16.3% of adolescents who bet on sports developing addictions.
• Online casinos: Accessible 24/7, increasing risk due to isolation and constant availability.
• Lottery and scratch-offs: Lower risk individually but can become problematic with frequency and financial strain.

The gambling industry continually evolves, and online gambling in particular has made access easier, which is only making it harder for people to recover.  

9. Consequences of Gambling Addiction

The impact of gambling addiction can easily be seen in the amounts of money lost by those suffering from addiction—but it doesn’t stop there.

• Debt and bankruptcy:¹³ Up to 23 million Americans land in debt due to gambling, with average losses around $55,000.
• Mental health struggles: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
• Physical health issues: Stress-related conditions like hypertension and sleep deprivation.
• Legal problems: Related to theft or fraud to fund gambling.

These negative consequences often affect the gambler’s loved ones as well, both financially and emotionally, causing relational strain and often long-term damage to relationships.

10. Treatment Statistics for Gambling Addicts

Despite the severity of gambling addiction and compulsive gambling, treatment rates remain low. Less than 15% of individuals with gambling disorders¹⁴ receive treatment. However, when they do, outcomes can be encouraging. Treatment options include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective in addressing distorted thinking patterns.
• Group support: Programs like Gamblers Anonymous offer community and accountability.
• Financial counseling: Helps address practical fallout.
• Inpatient or outpatient programs: Especially helpful for those with co-occurring addictions.

Addiction treatment that integrates psychiatry, behavioral interventions, and support groups can improve long-term outcomes.

Getting Help for Gambling Addiction

Recovery often begins with acknowledging the problem. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone, and solution is not willpower or shame. Gambling addiction is a treatable condition.

Start by speaking with a mental health or addiction professional. Many treatment centers now offer programs specifically tailored to gambling. Recovery.com has plenty of resources to help you find the right treatment for you. Recovery is a journey—but you don’t have to walk it alone.

FAQs

Q: What percentage of the population has a gambling problem?

A: Approximately 1% of U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 2–3% experiencing mild or moderate issues. Gambling disorder¹⁵ is less common than alcohol or drug use disorders, but it still affects millions. In the U.S., approximately 5–8 million people struggle with it each year.

Q: What is the best treatment for gambling addiction?

A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often the most effective approach. Group support and financial counseling are also key components of recovery.

What are the major signs of gambling addiction?
• Preoccupation with gambling
• Chasing losses
• Lying about compulsive gambling behavior
• Gambling despite negative consequences
• Financial strain or borrowing money to gamble

Q: What is the recovery rate for gambling addiction?

A: Recovery rates vary,¹⁶ but studies suggest that with treatment and support, about one-third of people with gambling disorder achieve long-term recovery. Access to therapy, support groups, and financial counseling improves outcomes.

Q: How addictive is gambling compared to drugs?

A: Gambling activates the brain’s reward system in ways similar to drugs, particularly by releasing dopamine. While gambling does not involve ingesting substances, its psychological and behavioral pull can be just as strong as substance addictions.

Q: Who is at risk for problem gambling?

Risk factors include genetics, early exposure, mental health issues (like depression or ADHD), high impulsivity, and easy access to gambling opportunities. People at higher risk include men, young adults, those with co-occurring substance use or mental health conditions, and individuals facing financial stress or social isolation.

Q: How has the prevalence of gambling addiction changed over the years?

A: Gambling addiction rates have fluctuated with the availability of gambling. Online and sports betting have led to increased accessibility, and researchers are tracking how this affects long-term prevalence.