National Council on Problem Gambling Survey Shows Drop in Problem Gambling Risk, Highlights Ongoing Challenges

NCPG urges more federal action as nearly 20 million U.S. adults report problem gambling behaviors.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A national survey released today by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) finds the spike in risky gambling behavior observed during the COVID-19 pandemic has eased as awareness of the gambling health crisis and access to needed care has expanded. As gambling-related harm remains widespread, particularly among younger adults, sports bettors, and those who gamble online, active nationwide problem gambling prevention and education outreach is critical.

“This new research shows that the nationwide efforts in responsible gambling and public awareness are making a positive impact, but the work is far from over,” said Derek Longmeier, NCPG Board of Directors President. “We must build on this momentum by embedding problem gambling into the broader public health infrastructure and investing in what we know works: collaboration across prevention, education, treatment, and research with the support of the government and communities.”

The third installment of the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE 3.0) shows that nearly 20 million American adults report experiencing at least one problematic gambling behavior “many times” in the past year. This represents a decrease from 27.5 million in 2021, but remains elevated compared to 2018 levels.

While not all those represented in the study meet clinical standards for addiction, the data clearly show that too many Americans experience problematic behavior as a result of their gambling. Growing awareness of helplines like 1-800-GAMBLER—a national resource that connects individuals to localized treatment—is an encouraging sign that education and outreach efforts are making an impact. While increased awareness doesn’t always translate into immediate action, it’s a critical first step in reducing stigma and expanding access to care.

Key findings from NGAGE 3.0 include:

• High-risk behavior is concentrated among specific groups:
  ○ 28% of those who gambled on 10+ activities reported problematic behavior.
  ○ 35% of individuals who gambled on 3+ activities weekly or more often met the threshold for concern.
  ○ 24% of fantasy sports bettors and 17% of traditional sports bettors reported problematic behaviors.
  ○ 15% of adults ages 18–34 reported concerning behavior, compared to 2% of those 55+.
  ○ 10% of men—nearly double the rate of women—reported gambling-related problems.
• Online gambling participation rose significantly, from 15% in 2018 to 22% in 2024, and is closely associated with risk.
• Parlay betting nearly doubled, with 30% of sports bettors making parlay wagers in 2024, up from 17% in 2018—raising concerns about loss-chasing behaviors.
• Public understanding remains limited: Only 39% of Americans view gambling addiction as “very serious,” compared to 62% for drug addiction and 55% for alcoholism.
• Treatment skepticism is high among those who need it most: 37% of people engaging in risky play believe recovery is unlikely, more than twice the rate of the general gambling population.
• Sports betting participation has plateaued, holding steady at 23% of adults despite legalization in 38 states—suggesting that legal access does not necessarily expand the market but may intensify risk for active participants.

While the survey shows signs of stabilization, it reinforces the urgent need for governmental action. At the federal level, NCPG is advocating for a share of the sports betting excise tax to be reinvested in state-level gambling addiction services, establishing a long-overdue, dedicated funding stream; and, in nearly all 50 states, NCPG and its affiliates continue to lead the charge for dedicating gambling tax revenues to gambling addiction prevention, treatment, and research.

“All who profit from gambling, including the government, have an ethical imperative to use some of that money to mitigate gambling’s harms,” said Longmeier. “While many states have followed our advice, oftentimes that funding is directed to other addictions, leaving gambling addiction as an afterthought. Gambling addiction deserves to be treated by the states as the serious health crisis that it is.”

NGAGE 3.0 is the most comprehensive national survey of gambling attitudes, behaviors, and experiences in the United States. Conducted by Ipsos in partnership with NCPG from January to March 2024, the study surveyed more than 3,000 U.S. adults using methodology consistent with prior waves in 2018 and 2021. Details on findings and methodology are available at NCPGsurvey.org.