Gambling

Data Sheet

Gambling

Gambling Addiction: A Growing Concern
Gambling is a popular activity across not only the United States but the world with approximately 26% of the world’s population reporting that they engaged in some form of gambling in 2025, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Of these individuals, about 15% gamble weekly, contributing to an astounding $574.5 billion spent on gambling activities in 2025 alone.

Gambling has become more accessible than ever, especially with the rapid expansion of sports betting. The rise of online platforms and mobile apps has made placing a bet as easy as tapping a screen, allowing people to gamble anytime, anywhere. Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to legalize sports betting, the industry has exploded, with wagers skyrocketing from $4.9 billion in 2017 to over $121 billion by 2023. This unprecedented accessibility has brought gambling into the daily lives of millions, blurring the lines between entertainment and risk.

57% of American adults gambling in some form in the past year (2024 statistic)

Types of Gambling

Gambling comes in many forms, including:

Card playing
Commercial and American Indian-owned casinos
Charitable games such as bingo
Sports betting
State lottery games
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing,
and jai alai
Electronic and internet gambling
Fantasy sports leagues

While gambling is a common pastime for many, it carries the risk of developing into a serious addiction.

Who is Most at Risk?

Anyone can develop a gambling problem, but college students are particularly vulnerable. With access to student loan money and significant free time, they may be more tempted to gamble irresponsibly.

The National Center for Responsible Gaming estimates that about 6% of young adults have a gambling problem, a figure much higher than that seen in the general adult population.

Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

Recognizing a gambling addiction early can help prevent serious consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs that someone may be struggling with gambling include:

Obsessive preoccupation with gambling, constantly
planning activities and finances around it
Needing to gamble with larger sums of money to
achieve the same thrill
Unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop
gambling
Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop gambling

Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
Chasing losses by gambling more to recover lost money
Lying to family and friends to hide the extent of gambling
Jeopardizing important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities
Asking others for financial help due to gambling losses

Warning signs of unhealthy or problem gambling include:

Chasing Losses (Continuing to gamble to recover lost money.)
Ignoring Limits (Spending more time and money gambling than intended.)
Gambling as an Escape (Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.)
Financial Problems (Borrowing money, selling
possessions, or missing bill payments to gamble.)
Relationship Strain (Lying to loved ones or isolating
oneself due to gambling habits.)
Emotional Distress (Experiencing guilt, anxiety, anger, or depression related to gambling.)

Perils of Gambling

Gambling can take a toll on both the soul and daily life, drawing individuals away from their true purpose and peace. Friends and family begin to notice and become concerned when this activity begins to harm a person’s well-being, relationships, or ability to fulfill their God-given responsibilities. Unfortunately, this makes gambling addictions easy to hide for a significant period of time.