While casinos and lotteries are a popular pastime in the US, gambling has become a national health concern affecting millions of people.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) defines gambling disorder (GD) as “persistent and recurrent” gambling behavior that continues despite the problems it causes.
It’s similar to substance use disorder (SUD) in that someone becomes unable to stop betting, even when it impacts their health, career, and relationships.
Here are some important statistical facts and trends providing snapshots of the country’s gambling disorder situation.
1. 8% of American Adults Reported Problematic Gambling Behaviors
According to a 2024 Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE 3.0) survey by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), almost 8% of the American adult population reported at least one problematic gambling behavior.
Key stat
That’s nearly 20 million individuals at risk of developing a GD. The study surveyed over 3,000 US adults.
Examples of problematic gambling behaviors include:
- Chasing losses or betting in an attempt to win back lost money
- Thinking about gambling all the time
- Loss of control and being unable to stop or cut back on gambling
- Risking more and more money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to support gambling
- Using gambling to escape from stressful situations
- Compromising personal commitments and responsibilities
When the situation spirals out of control, the individual may also start lying to friends, family members, and coworkers to hide their compulsive gambling habits.
2. About 2.5 Million Are Estimated to Have Severe Gambling Problems
Gamblers are categorized under three common groups: social, professional, and problem gamblers.
Social
There are social gamblers who spend a moderate amount of time and money betting for their enjoyment.
Professional
Professional gamblers are those who are skilled at their chosen games, but exhibit self-control and rational thinking.
Problem
Problem gamblers consider gambling as a form of livelihood. They lose their self-control but don’t want to stop despite knowing the consequences.
In the first two cases, betting doesn’t get in the way of their health, finances, career, and relationships. Problem gamblers may also convince themselves that they’re a casual or professional gambler.
Gambling becomes a disorder when someone exhibits four or more diagnostic symptoms over one year or longer.
Key stat
In the US, the NCPG estimates that about 2.5 million adults are living with a severe gambling problem. These are individuals who exhibited 8 to 9 persistent problem gambling signs within 12 months.
Another 5 to 8 million are said to struggle with mild to moderate gambling issues. About 85% of US adults also admitted to gambling at least once in their lives.
3. Men Are More Likely to Engage in Risky Gambling
Exactly why a person engages in gambling isn’t well understood. As with other forms of addiction, genetics, environment, and biological factors may contribute to someone’s risk of compulsive gambling.
However, certain trends may offer insight into a person’s vulnerability to GD.
Key stat
Studies found that men are two to three times more at risk of having gambling problems than women. But while women typically start gambling later in life, they tend to become addicted faster.
Age is another contributing factor to gambling disorder.
The same 2024 NCPG survey shows young adults are more likely to gamble compulsively than other age groups. They found that 15% of adults aged 18 to 34 met one criterion for problematic wagering.
Some experts correlate certain personality characteristics to GD. Highly competitive people who spend inordinate time working, or are easily bored, have a higher chance of developing gambling issues.
Similar to SUD, family history is also a factor. Those who have family or friends dealing with GD are at risk of developing problematic gambling behaviors.
4. 90% of People With Gambling Problems Don’t Seek Help
Despite sharing many similarities with other addictions, gambling disorder can be difficult to diagnose because it shows no physical or visible signs.
There are no blood tests, needle marks, or withdrawal symptoms you can monitor.
What’s even more concerning is the treatment gap. That is, the number of people diagnosed with a gambling disorder and those who receive treatment for the condition.
Key stat
According to a 2022 review study, as many as 90% or more of people living with GD never seek professional help.
A similar investigation in 2014 found the same results, reporting only 10% of respondents with gambling disorder had sought support. Moreover, those who do attempt treatment usually don’t finish it.
There are several possible reasons why this could be the case.
Many people with GD are unaware of their situation, which could prevent them from taking their symptoms seriously. Others are unaware of available services or can’t access them due to their location.
The stigma associated with gambling issues is another barrier.
Compulsive gambling is identified as one of the most stigmatized mental health issues. People tend to blame the person who has developed GD, which may prevent them from getting help for fear of having their struggles exposed.
Shame and denial are also not uncommon among individuals living with a serious gambling disorder.
5. People Who Gamble Often Struggle With Other Mental Health Disorders
Research consistently shows that gambling addiction often comes with other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Key stat
It’s estimated that 94% of people with GD will also have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder.
Gambling doesn’t necessarily cause any of these conditions. But it can interact with, even exacerbate, their symptoms and effects.
Mood disorders like depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health issues that can co-occur with GD.
This is likely because of the stress associated with financial loss, strained relationships, and feelings of guilt and shame that often follow excessive gambling behaviors.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms have been found to carry a greater risk of problem gambling. There’s also a high overlap between PTSD and compulsive gambling, with a prevalence rate of 17% to 43%.
Gambling problems can co-occur with other forms of addiction. Experts see a strong link between GD, nicotine dependence, and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
The reason for this high comorbidity is complex. But they usually share similar risk factors involving trauma, genetics, environment, emotional dysregulation, and other neurobiological contributors.
6. Gambling Is Closely Associated With Suicidal Thoughts
Some individuals dabble in risky play to alleviate stress, reduce boredom, and manage their loneliness.
However, the negative consequences of GD, alongside mental health concerns, can make others feel hopeless and unable to see a way out.
Suicide and gambling addiction often go hand in hand.
Multiple studies across different countries reported a strong association between GD and suicidal ideation. Among those who are receiving gambling treatment, up to 81% have struggled with thoughts of self-harm.
About 7% to 30% have attempted suicide.
A 2024 meta-analysis painted a similarly grim picture. The systematic reviewers found that as much as 31.6% of people with gambling problems have lifetime suicidal ideation. Another 13.2% of respondents reported lifetime suicide attempts.
If you need help right now
If you or someone you know who is living with GD experiences thoughts of self-harm, seek professional help immediately. Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7.
7. Teenagers Can Struggle With Compulsive Gambling
With phones and online betting platforms becoming more prevalent, gambling issues among teens and college students are growing.
Key stat
Problem-gambling among youths is reportedly five times higher than in the adult population, with early exposure to betting environments considered a major factor.
In Connecticut, in a survey involving 1,807 adolescents, 453 (25.4%) concerningly reported gambling in the past year. That’s 1 in 4 teens engaging in risky play and vulnerable to developing long-term GD.
More recent NCPG findings showed that nearly two-thirds of adults admitted to participating in gambling activities before they turned 21.
These activities involve scratch-off lotteries, betting games with friends and family, sports betting, online casino games, and video-game loot boxes.
8. Helpline Calls Rose 148% in States With Legal Sports Betting
The format of gambling matters. Fast, always-available options — mobile sportsbooks, in-play betting, online casino games — are driving a new wave of problem gambling, especially among young men.
Per NCPG data, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline rose 148% between 2017 and 2025 in states that legalized sports betting, versus 45% elsewhere. Ohio’s helpline calls jumped 227% in the year online sports betting launched, and college students are a growing share of callers. One 2024 study tied online betting legalization to a 28% rise in bankruptcy rates roughly two years after launch.
9. One Problem Gambler Affects Six Other People
Gambling harm doesn’t stop with the gambler. A study in International Gambling Studies estimated that a typical problem gambler negatively affects six other people — most often spouses, children, and close family members, who report financial loss, emotional harm, and strained relationships of their own.
If that’s your household, support exists for loved ones too, not just the person gambling.
What Are the Signs of Compulsive Gambling?
Recognizing the signs of pathological gambling is key to a timely intervention and treatment. But unlike SUD, these symptoms are behavioral, emotional, and financial.
Some common signs of gambling addiction are:
- A sudden loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Lower sex drive
- Neglecting self-care, children, work, and other commitments
- Getting into conflicts with other people over owed money
- Drinks alcohol or uses drugs more frequently
- Strong preoccupation with gambling
- Cheating or stealing to get money to gamble
- Experiences legal issues due to betting habits
- Prefers to be alone and withdraws from friends and family
- Exhibits mood swings and sudden outbursts
- Appears depressed or anxious
- Apparent financial difficulties and frequently borrows money
The stress associated with chronic gambling and losing money can manifest in their health, although this isn’t always the case.
GD-related health concerns can range from simple headaches, stomachaches, and bowel problems to insomnia and eating disorders.
You Don’t Have to Gamble Every Day
While it’s a common misconception, you don’t have to gamble every day to get diagnosed with an addiction.
The key indicator is a loss of control over the gambling behavior. Someone who bets infrequently may still meet the criteria for a GD if it causes serious problems in various aspects of their life.
How Is Gambling Disorder Treated?
While there’s no FDA-approved medication for GD, the condition responds well to counseling and therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the leading and effective approaches in resolving symptoms of harmful and pathological gambling.
During CBT, a licensed therapist will help the recovering patient identify and change unhealthy thinking patterns that feed into their betting habits. They also learn coping strategies to handle triggers.
How to Help Someone With a Gambling Disorder
If you know someone is dealing with some kind of gambling problem, it’s normal to feel both frustrated and concerned.
It’s worth remembering that, though your support and guidance can make a world of difference, the decision to change ultimately lies in the person living with the condition.
One thing you can do is connect them with valuable resources and professionals who can provide the support they need.
Gamblers Anonymous is an organization that helps people overcome GD through 12-step programs and group meetings. You may also consider staging an intervention with an addiction interventionist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is gambling disorder officially diagnosed?
Using the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5-TR criteria: four or more of nine symptoms within 12 months. Severity is graded mild, moderate, or severe by symptom count.
What treatments work besides CBT?
Motivational interviewing, group therapy, and family therapy all have supporting evidence, often combined. There’s no FDA-approved medication, though naltrexone is prescribed off-label in some cases.
Where can I get help right now?
Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, 24/7, free and confidential.
Finding Expert Gambling Addiction Support
Gambling addiction is a treatable condition. Finding expert support early makes it easier to address.
If you’re ready to regain control of your life from compulsive gambling, Better Bet can help connect you with reliable, evidence-based virtual therapy in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Florida.