Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder or pathological gambling, has emerged as a significant public health concern affecting millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, gambling addiction often remains a hidden epidemic, with many sufferers reluctant to seek help due to stigma and shame.
This blog post compiles the most recent and relevant statistics on gambling addiction to help raise awareness about this serious condition, its far-reaching consequences, and available treatment options.
Gambling Addiction Statistics Worldwide
Gambling addiction is a global issue that affects millions of individuals across diverse regions, with significant variations in prevalence and impact. Let’s break it down.
Global Prevalence
Worldwide Prevalence: Estimates suggest that between 1.2% and 6.0% of the global population experiences gambling addiction, with 1.2% being a commonly cited figure for the adult population.
Number of Problem Gamblers: Approximately 450 million adults engage in “risk gambling,” which can lead to financial, mental health, and relationship issues.
Regional Variations
- Latvia: It has the highest reported rate of gambling addiction at 6.0%.
- Hong Kong: Approximately 5.8% of the population is affected by gambling addiction.
- China: Close to 4% of the Chinese population, or about 60 million people, are considered gambling addicts.
- Finland: Around 3.3% of the population is affected by gambling addiction.
- Canada: Approximately 3.2% of the population experiences gambling addiction.
| Country | Gambling Addiction Rate | Affected Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | 6.0% | 111,592 | Highest reported rate globally |
| Hong Kong | 5.8% | 429,357 | Significant prevalence in a compact region |
| China | 4.0% | ~56.7 million | Large absolute number due to population size |
| Finland | 3.3% | 185,300 | Notable rate in a smaller population |
| Canada | 3.2% | 1,279,872 | Consistent with North American trends |
Economic Impact
- Global Revenue: The global gambling industry is projected to reach $700 billion by 2028, with a significant portion coming from problem gamblers.
- Losses by Problem Gamblers: These individuals account for about 60% of gambling revenue.
Demographics and Risks
- Gender: Men are more likely to experience gambling problems than women, with a prevalence 1.5 to 2 times higher.
- Age: Young adults are at a higher risk of developing gambling addiction.
- Online Gambling: Approximately 81% of problem gamblers worldwide engage in online gambling.
Health Consequences
- Suicide Rates: Problem gamblers have suicide rates 15 times higher than the general population.
- Mental Health: Gambling addiction is linked to increased mental illness and other health issues.
Gambling Addiction Statistics in the UK
The UK gambling market has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. Below are key developments and trends:
Prevalence of Problem Gambling
- Problem Gamblers: Estimates suggest that around 0.5% of the UK population, approximately 246,000 people, are problem gamblers, while 3.8% (about 2.2 million) are considered at-risk gamblers.
- Gambling-Related Harms: It is estimated that 20% of the UK population is directly or indirectly harmed by gambling.
Age Distribution
- Young People: Over a quarter (27%) of 11- to 17-year-olds have gambled with their own money in the past year.
- Adults: The largest percentage of problem gamblers are in the age group of 35 to 44 years old, with 22.7% having a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score between 1 and 27. The age group with the highest share of severe problem gamblers (PGSI score 8-27) is 25 to 34 years old.
Gambling Participation
- Overall Participation: In 2021, 50% of adults in England participated in some form of gambling in the past year, with men more likely to gamble than women.
- Online Gambling: About 10% of adults engaged in online gambling (excluding lotteries) in the past year.
Consequences
- Suicides: There are estimated to be between 117 and 496 gambling-related suicides annually in England.
- Risk of Harm: Individuals with gambling disorders are 15 times more likely to take their own lives compared to the general population.
NHS Response
Clinics and Referrals: The NHS has expanded its services to include 15 gambling clinics across England, with referrals increasing by almost 130% in recent years.
Other Essential UK Gambling Addiction Statistics
- Gambling Participation: Nearly half (48%) of adults in Great Britain have participated in some form of gambling in the past four weeks.
- Problem Gambling: Approximately 2.5% of adults in Great Britain are problem gamblers, which translates to about 1 in 40 people.
- Youth Involvement: Around a quarter (26%) of young people aged 11-17 spend their own money on gambling activities.
- Industry Size: The UK gambling market is valued at approximately £15.6 billion in gross gambling yield (GGY) from April 2023 to March 2024.
- Online Gambling: The remote casino, betting, and bingo sector generated £6.5 billion in GGY from April 2022 to March 2023, showing strong growth.
- National Lottery: The National Lottery is the most popular form of gambling, with about 31% of Brits participating.
- Gambling-Related Harm: Around 20% of the UK population is directly or indirectly harmed by gambling.
- Suicides Related to Gambling: There are estimated to be between 117 and 496 gambling-related suicides annually in England.
- Advertising Spend: The gambling industry spends approximately £1.5 billion annually on advertising.
Gambling Addiction Statistics in Australia
Gambling Participation
- Approximately three-quarters of Australian adults (73-75%) have gambled at least once in the past year.
- Men gamble more frequently than women, with nearly half of men gambling at least weekly.
Expenditure and Losses
- Australians spend around $197.9 billion annually on all forms of gambling, with $171 billion going to gaming products like lotteries and poker machines.
- Total gambling losses are estimated at about $25 billion per year.
- Per capita, Australians lose more to gambling than any other country, with an average annual loss of US $958.
Problem Gambling
- Problem gambling affects between 0.7% and 1.0% of the Australian population.
- Those at risk of gambling harm are more likely to use credit cards and accumulate debt.
Gambling Products
- Poker machines (Electronic Gaming Machines or EGMs) are a significant source of gambling harm and revenue.
- Sports betting and online casino games have seen increased participation, while other forms like EGMs and race betting have declined.
Regional Variations
- New South Wales records the highest gambling expenditure, followed by Victoria and Queensland.
- In NSW, one in five people experience gambling harm, with EGMs being the primary source.
What are the most popular forms of gambling among Australians?
The most popular forms of gambling among Australians include:
- Lotteries/Scratchies: These are the most widely participated form of gambling, with about 64% of adults engaging in them.
- Horse Racing: Approximately 38% of Australian adults participate in horse racing, which includes greyhound and harness racing.
- Sports Betting: Around 34% of adults engage in sports betting, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
- Poker Machines (Pokies): About 33% of adults gamble on pokies, which are widely available in hotels and clubs.
- Keno/Bingo: These activities are also popular, with around 29% participation.
These forms of gambling are widely available and accessible, contributing to their popularity among Australians.
Gambling Addiction Gender Statistics
Problem Gambling Rates by Gender
- Men vs. Women: Studies consistently show that men are more likely to be problem gamblers than women. For example, one study found that 4.2% of men were problem gamblers compared to 2.9% of women.
- Recent Data: More recent data suggests that 7.8% of American women meet the criteria for problem gambling, which is still lower than the rate for men.
Participation and Engagement
- Participation Rates: While men and women may participate in gambling at similar rates (e.g., 66% of men and 59% of women in some studies), men tend to gamble more frequently and have higher losses and wins.
- Engagement: Men are generally more likely to engage in gambling activities and experience problems related to gambling.
Gender Differences in Risk Factors
- Risk-Taking Behavior: Men are often more sensation-seeking and risk-takers, which can contribute to higher rates of problem gambling.
- Motivations: Men may gamble for excitement or thrill-seeking, while women often gamble to modulate adverse moods.
Emerging Trends
Rise in Female Problem Gambling: There is an increasing trend of problem gambling among women, particularly with the rise of online gambling platforms.
Age and Progression: Women tend to start gambling at an older age but may progress more quickly to problem gambling once they begin.
Gambling addiction age statistics
Gambling addiction affects individuals across various age groups, with some demographics being more vulnerable than others. Here are key statistics on gambling addiction by age:
Gambling Addiction by Age Group
- Adolescents (14-17 years): Approximately 4-5% exhibit signs of problem gambling, with about 10-14% at risk of developing gambling issues. In the UK, those aged 11-13 are more likely to be categorized as problem gamblers than those aged 14-16.
- Young Adults (18-24 years): This group has the highest prevalence of gambling addiction, with rates around 7.1%. Up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who gamble develop a disorder. College students are particularly at risk, with 7% meeting the criteria for problem gambling.
- Adults (25-34 years): Over 5% report gambling problems, with nearly 36% of problem gamblers in this age range1.
- Adults (35-54 years): The prevalence decreases to about 2.7%. In Great Britain, the 35-44 age group has the highest rates of problem gamblers.
- Seniors (55 and older): This group has the lowest reported rates, around 0.5%, though rates are increasing among older adults.
| Age Group | Gambling Addiction Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescents (14-17 years) | 4-5% (10-14% at risk) | In the UK, 11-13 year-olds more likely problem gamblers than 14-16 year-olds |
| Young Adults (18-24 years) | 7.1% (7% college students) | Highest prevalence; 5% of adolescents/young adults develop a disorder |
| Adults (25-34 years) | Over 5% (36% of problem gamblers) | Significant portion of problem gamblers in this range |
| Adults (35-54 years) | 2.7% | In Great Britain, 35-44 group has highest rates among adults |
| Seniors (55+ years) | 0.5% | Lowest rates, but increasing among older adults |
Gambling Addiction Statistics in the United States
Prevalence of Gambling Addiction
- Severe Addiction: Approximately 2 million adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for severe gambling addiction.
- Mild to Moderate Addiction: Another 4-6 million people have mild to moderate gambling problems.
- Compulsive Gambling: About 5 million Americans meet the criteria for compulsive gambling, but only about 8% seek help.
Demographic Variations
Demographic factors play a significant role in the prevalence of gambling disorders:
Gender
Men are more likely to develop gambling disorders than women, with research indicating men are approximately twice as likely to have a gambling problem. For example, Yale Medicine notes that men outnumber women 2:1 among gambling addicts, with recent trends showing a narrowing gap but still significant disparity.
Age
Young adults, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties, are at higher risk. Studies show that up to 7% of college students meet the criteria for problem gambling, with 42% of college students gambling and 7% at problematic levels.
Ethnic Groups
Certain ethnic groups exhibit higher prevalence rates. Research from Columbia University indicates that Native Americans, Asians, African Americans, and Hispanics show greater prevalence of disordered gambling compared to Caucasians, with specific rates such as 2.2% for Black/African Americans and 2.3% for Native/Asian Americans.
Types of Gambling Associated with Addiction in the U.S.
Certain forms of gambling are more strongly associated with addiction, particularly those with high frequency and accessibility:
- Slot Machines: A study found that 75% of problem gamblers play slot machines, highlighting their addictive potential due to rapid play and frequent rewards.
- Online Gambling: Online gambling is also significant, with 81% of problem gamblers engaging in online or app-based gambling, driven by ease of access and constant availability.
- Sports Betting: Recent trends show sports betting, especially with legalization in 38 states, contributing to increased problem gambling, with 24% of U.S. gambling addicts betting on sports compared to 38% worldwide.
| Gambling Type | Percentage of Problem Gamblers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 75% | Highly addictive due to rapid play and frequent rewards |
| Online Gambling | 81% | Significant due to ease of access and constant availability |
| Sports Betting | 24% | Rising with legalization in 38 states; 38% worldwide |
Gambling Addiction Statistics in Nevada
Prevalence of Problem Gambling
Nevada: Approximately 6% of adults in Nevada, or about 140,000 people, deal with problem gambling to some degree.
Las Vegas: The city has a high prevalence rate of pathological gamblers, with estimates ranging from 46,000 to 138,000 people.
High-Risk Gamblers
Nevadans: Over 19.7% of Nevadans who have gambled in the past year are at high risk for developing problem gambling and gambling addiction.
Treatment Trends
Decline in Treatment Enrollments: There was a 19% decrease in clients receiving outpatient services for problem gambling in Nevada during FY2021, and a 33% decrease in residential enrollments.
Economic Impact
Las Vegas Casinos: Players lose $6 billion annually at Las Vegas casinos.
Pandemic Impact
Increased Problem Gambling: There were indications that problem gambling grew during the pandemic, with increased calls to national helplines.
Consequences of Gambling Disorder in America
The consequences of gambling addiction are profound, affecting financial stability, mental health, and social relationships:
- Financial Debt: Approximately 23 million Americans are in debt due to gambling, with 90% of gambling addicts withdrawing cash advances from credit cards to continue gambling.
- Additionally, 3% of American problem gamblers have over $300,000 in gambling debts, illustrating the financial toll.
- Mental Health Issues: Up to 96% of individuals with gambling disorders meet the criteria for another mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders, with 60% also smoking and 28% having alcohol problems. Gambling addicts are 15 times more likely to commit suicide, with rates up to 20% attempting suicide, according to BeGambleAware and other studies.
- Social and Relational Impacts: The disorder often leads to strained relationships, job loss, and legal issues, with 50% of problem gamblers committing crimes and 73% of inmates showing signs of gambling problems, as reported by GREO and Lesieur.
Gambling Addiction Statistics in Canada
Overview of Gambling in Canada
- Prevalence of Gambling: Nearly two-thirds (64.5%) of Canadians aged 15 and older reported gambling in the past year.
- Problem Gambling: Approximately 1.6% of past-year gamblers, or about 304,400 individuals, are at a moderate-to-severe risk of problems related to gambling.
- Demographics: Males are more likely than females to experience gambling problems, and Indigenous people are three times more likely to face moderate-to-severe gambling issues compared to non-Indigenous populations.
Specific Statistics
- Age Groups: The 45 to 64 age group is most likely to gamble, with 72% reporting gambling in the past year.
- Indigenous Communities: Indigenous people face higher rates of problem gambling due to systemic factors and cultural influences.
- Youth Vulnerability: Youth are particularly vulnerable to the harms of gambling, especially with the rise of online gaming.
- Economic Impact
- Annual Losses: On average, Canadians lose about $568 per year on gambling, one of the highest rates globally.
- Revenue from Problem Gamblers: Problem gamblers account for a significant portion of gambling revenues, contributing to concerns about exploitation.
Trends and Concerns
- Rise of Online Gambling: There has been a significant increase in online gambling, with Ontario reporting a 132% rise in wagers on internet gaming sites.
- Need for Regulation: There is a call for more stringent regulations and support programs to mitigate the risks associated with gambling.
Conclusion
The statistics presented above highlight the pervasive nature of gambling addiction and its far-reaching consequences on individuals, families, and society. With problem gambling affecting millions worldwide and costing economies billions annually, it’s clear that this issue deserves greater attention and resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, remember that help is available, and recovery is possible. The earlier treatment is sought, the better the chances of successful recovery.
Foxing You Now offers online coaching and therapy for gambling addicts. Contact us today for help.