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Even without the physical triggers so commonly associated with drug addiction, gambling disorders can wreak just as much havoc in a person’s life. While drug addiction is a substance-based disorder, gambling addictions have more to do with a lack of impulse control.
Gambling addiction often affects people who also struggle with alcohol abuse.
Ultimately, it’s the loss of control that defines addictive behavior regardless of the substance or activity involved. Gambling addiction statistics present this “loss of control” factor in a stark and alarming light.
Gambling addiction statistics show how problem gambling can up-end a person’s life in more ways than one. Not unlike other types of addiction, people most susceptible to gambling also suffer from other disorders of which they may or may not be aware.
Probably the most glaring revelation to glean from gambling addiction statistics lies in the consequences that result when gambling disorders go untreated.
1. Gambling Trends
As with all types of data, certain trends or patterns of behavior start to surface within a given population. Gambling addiction statistics are no different. Some of the more prevalent gambling trends show:
- There is a connection between sports gambling frequency and alcohol-related problems.
- 49% of U.S. adults report they participated in gambling in 2023.
- 2.5 million U.S. adults have a severe gambling problem. Another 5-8 million have mild or moderate gambling problems.
- 21% of young people have spent their own money on gambling in the past year, and 1.5% of young people (11-17 years old) are experiencing a gambling disorder.
2. Gambling & Criminal Activity
As far as gambling and criminal activity goes, gambling addiction statistics reveal a direct correlation between the severity of a gambling addiction and the likelihood of committing crimes. Rates of gambling addiction for criminal offenders far exceed rates found among non-offenders. On average, an estimated 50 percent of those affected by gambling problems commit crimes in order to support their addiction.
3. College Gambling
Gambling addiction statistics show that young people are at risk of developing gambling disorders.
- 79% of young adults 16-25 have begun gambling before the age of 21, which is the legal age in most of the U.S.
- The risk of developing a gambling addiction is higher in young adults compared to older adults.
- An estimated 6% of American college students struggle with gambling problems.
4. Gambling & PTSD Trends
People affected by post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD live with high levels of stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Gambling addiction statistics show high rates of gambling addiction among PTSD sufferers.
- Research indicates that PTSD symptoms affect anywhere from 17% to 43% of problem gamblers.
- One study found that 34% of those who seek treatment for gambling addiction exhibit symptoms of PTSD.
5. Gambling & Mental Illness
As addictions in general alter brain chemical functions in destructive ways, people struggling with gambling addiction have a higher likelihood of developing mental health disorders. Gambling addiction statistics show a high incidence of certain types of mental illness, some of which include:
- Depression disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Anti-social personality disorder
As with any other type of addiction, a gambling addiction can only get worse when left untreated.