Helpline Data
The National Problem Gambling Helpline™ averaged more than 31,000 contacts (calls, texts, and chats) per month
High Volume
Nearly 8% of U.S. households participate in online sports betting, averaging roughly $1,100 annually per active bettor
Household Participation
25% of sports bettors report missing or being unable to pay a monthly bill (such as rent, utilities, or groceries) due to gambling
Missed Bill Payments
Roughly 57.5% of people with disordered gambling have a lifetime prevalence of a substance use disorder
High Overall Prevalence
Estimates show that 1 in 5 (20%) individuals with a gambling disorder attempt suicide at some point, a rate higher than most other addictions. Clinical and treatment-setting studies report that roughly 17% to 30% of people treated for gambling disorder have attempted suicide
Suicide Attempts
Nearly half (49.48%) of all contacts are between the ages of 18 and 34, showing a significant shift toward a younger demographic
Younger Help-Seekers
A study tracking roughly 230,000 households found that net investments drop by about $2 for every $1 wagered online, with funds drawn heavily from long-term savings and retirement accounts
Impact on Savings and Investments
Online sports bettors are significantly more vulnerable to financial distress, with studies indicating they are 15 times more likely to miss bill payments compared to in-person gambler
Online vs. In-Person Risk
Affects approximately 28.1% to 50% of individuals with pathological or problem gambling. Daily or weekly sports bettors also show up to 4x higher rates of binge drinking compared to non-sports gamblers
Alcohol Use Disorder
Between 31% and 50% (and up to 80% in specific clinical or helpline populations) of individuals with a gambling disorder experience suicidal thoughts.
Suicidal Ideation
Online and app-based gambling rose to 31% of reported primary concerns (up from 23% the previous year), while traditional slot machines and electronic gaming dropped from 36% to 31%. Sports betting and card games continue to surge
Shift to Online & Sports Betting
Increased online gambling is linked to higher usage of credit cards, bank overdrafts, and elevated lottery participation, hitting financially constrained households the hardest
Debt and Credit Stress
Almost 30% to 30% of sports bettors carry debt that they attribute directly to gambling, and 51% of those individuals owe $500 or more
Accumulated Debt
Strongly co-occurs with elevated odds ratios (approx. 2.77), making nicotine dependence one of the most frequent parallel habits
Tobacco Dependence
People diagnosed with a gambling disorder have a suicide rate 5 to 15 times higher
Suicide Mortality
Men make up roughly 70% of helpline contacts, while nearly 1% identify as transgender or non-binary. The vast majority reach out for their own gambling, though spouses and family members account for about 4%
Gender Breakdown
In states where sports betting is legalized, quarterly rates of diagnosed gambling disorders rose 61% (from 3.0 to 4.8 per 100,000 patients) between 2018 and 2026, while non-legalized states saw a 29% decrease
Diagnosed Disorders
24% have used a credit card cash advance to place bets. Over 15% have taken out a personal loan for wagers. 12% have relied on high-interest payday loans. 5% have used a car title loan
High-Interest Borrowing to Cover Bills/Wagers
Lifetime rates of PTSD among problem gamblers reach up to 14.8%, and reported rates of childhood trauma are high (67.5% for women and 51.4% for men)
Trauma and PTSD
Spouses and family members of individuals with severe gambling problems also experience elevated risks, with partner suicide attempt rates estimated to be 3 times higher than average
Family Impact
You can reach support through the confidential National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or via text and online chat
Access Points
Adults aged 30 to 49 show the highest rates of diagnosed gambling disorders (5.8 per 100,000), while the fastest growth—more than doubling—occurred among young adults aged 18 to 29
Age Demographics
52% of sports bettors carry a monthly credit card balance, and 45% lack enough emergency savings to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. Economic research also links mobile sports betting legalization to a 1% drop in credit scores and an 8% rise in debt-collection balances
Credit and Savings Impact
Between 31% and 50% (and up to 92% in specific treatment or hotline cohorts) of individuals with severe gambling disorders experience suicidal ideation, with lifetime attempt rates near 16
Suicidal Ideation
Intense stigma, secrecy from loved ones, and the breakdown of personal and professional relationships frequently trap individuals in deep psychological distress
Shame and Isolation