New research identifies the 5 most gambling-addicted regions in the US
By Ginevra Alessandrello
Award-winning personal finance company WalletHub has done some new research and found the most gambling-addicted regions in the United States. Unsurprisingly, Nevada and the city of lights take the number one spot, followed by South Dakota, Montana, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.
WalletHub used 20 metrics to determine how widespread gambling addiction is at top online casinos.
While gambling at best online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks is a fun activity that is harmless for most players, some find it difficult to log out. Gambling is legal at top-rated online casinos in many USA states, except for Hawaii, Utah, and some parts of Alaska.
The National Council of Problem Gambling said that problem gamblers account for 2% of the population with a social cost of NZ$7 billion in 2013.
WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe has told media that gambling addiction can destroy lives in the same way that alcohol and drug addiction can. While most can enjoy casual gambling from time to time at new online casinos, others need to avoid this pastime altogether, she said.
WalletHub is headquartered in Miami and is owned by Evolution Finance, Inc. Their research proved that between 1-3% of the US adult population has a gambling addiction problem. This translates to more than NZ$100 billion in total gambling losses annually.
Here are the top 10 most gambling-addicted states in the USA:
| OVERALL RANK (1 = MOST ADDICTED) | STATE | TOTAL SCORE | GAMBLING-FRIENDLINESS’ RANK | GAMBLING PROBLEM & TREATMENT’ RANK |
| 1 | Nevada | 57.00 | 2 | 12 |
| 2 | South Dakota | 56.62 | 1 | 28 |
| 3 | Mississippi | 48.94 | 13 | 1 |
| 4 | Montana | 48.75 | 3 | 38 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 46.70 | 4 | 31 |
| 6 | West Virginia | 45.15 | 7 | 11 |
| 7 | New Jersey | 44.66 | 9 | 10 |
| 8 | Oregon | 43.86 | 5 | 38 |
| 9 | Delaware | 40.84 | 6 | 36 |
| 10 | North Dakota | 38.96 | 8 | 37 |
Notes:
- The Overall Rank is based on the severity of the gambling addiction
- Total Score is a cumulative score based on various gambling measures
- Gambling-friendliness rank based on state policies and accessibility to gambling
- Gambling Problem & Treatment Rank based on gambling issues vs available treatment
Other findings by WalletHub
Apart from identifying the states with the highest gambling addiction rates, WalletHub’s report also revealed other vital findings related to how gambling addiction affects people’s finances and communities, and how mental health disease affects loved ones.
The research found that gambling addiction is found in all US states, with some districts being better equipped to help and treat addiction problems. The report also emphasized how good rules and laws can make a big difference in controlling gambling-related problems.
Gambling addiction is not just about money; it’s also a health problem, much like drug or alcohol abuse and needs to be treated seriously by medical professionals.
Studies show that all gamblers react the same way to gambling games. Most find it social or recreational, such as purchasing an occasional lottery ticket, infrequent online casino visits, and modest bets in fantasy sports. These players typically have no problem establishing boundaries for their gambling, which results in responsible gambling and no financial harm to themselves.
But for a small percentage, from 1 to 3% of adults, gambling spirals out of control and becomes a genuine medical condition known as gambling disorder. Despite the gambling industry’s record revenue of NZ$66.5 billion last year, gambling has caused a NZ$100 billion loss annually due to gambling.
WalletHub conducted a comparison of the 50 states to compare where problem gambling showed up and used 20 key metrics, including illegal gambling operations, lottery sales, and the percentage of adults grappling with gambling disorders.
WalletHub’s report gives us a better understanding of gambling addiction in the US. It shows us its significant impact and why finding ways to help people who struggle with it is essential. By paying attention to these findings, we can work together to make things better for everyone affected by gambling addiction.
What to do if you have a problem with gambling
In the Online Casino Real Money industry, the self-exclusion program is an initiative designed to assist casino players who are struggling with compulsive gambling behaviours and gambling addiction.
Players can also use the Responsible Gambling section of an online casino to manage their spending, limit their deposits, and limit their time online. With the gaming industry expanding its reach globally, rigorous identification checks at top online casinos have become a must.
At Minimum Deposit Casinos, players can find some of the best global sites that offer exciting gambling sessions with slots, table games like poker, roulette, and blackjack, progressive jackpots, bingo, Slingo, and Live-Dealer Casino games. With low deposits of $1, this is where you take control of problem gambling by keeping your wallet in check.
Once you register at a trusted best online casino, you must complete Know Your Customers protocols (KNC). This safety feature at all regulated casinos requires you to upload your official documents to prove your identity, age, and location. It can be done in a few minutes and can take up to 24 hours to complete. Once verification is done, you can deposit and withdraw real cash wins.
Players can find a wide variety of payment providers, including casinos that accept PaySafeCard, VISA, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal. Whenever you need help, your chosen casino’s support team will take your Live Chat calls or answer emails.
Players can also read through the FAQs for answers to the most commonly asked questions. To stay in control, use the Responsible Gambling section, and if your gambling is getting out of hand, consider self-exclusion, which can be temporary or permanent.
To find out about a particular online casino, feel free to read through our best online casino reviews. With a minimum deposit, you can enjoy low-budget gambling at its best.
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