When it comes to gambling, Oklahoma has more casinos per capita than any other state and is No. 6 in terms of gambling addiction, according to a national study by WalletHub.com.
Here is Oklahoma’s rank in these categories:
- 1st – Casinos per capita
- 2nd – Gambling machines per capita
- 9th – % of adults with gambling disorders
- 29th – Gambling-related arrests per capita
- 1st – Legality of daily fantasy sports
WalletHub’s report states that gambling addiction rose during the coronavirus pandemic. The report is “2021’s Most Gambling-Addicted States.”
“Gambling is challenging to spot because there are not tell-tale signs of use like there are for alcohol or drug use,” said Dr. David P. Jarmolowicz, associate professor of applied behavioral science, University of Kansas. “A good indicator of trouble, however, is if someone becomes more restrictive regarding information about their finances and/or gambling. Resources for those suffering from gambling problems differ from state to state. Many states have gambling helplines. Reaching out to one of those services is a great way to gauge the services available.”
WalletHub compared the 50 states across 21 factors, ranging from the presence of illegal gambling operations to lottery sales per capita to the share of adults with gambling disorders.
Most Gambling Addicted States
- Nevada
- Mississippi
- South Dakota
- Montana
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- New Jersey
- Minnesota
- West Virginia
- Oregon
Least Gambling Addicted States
- Arizona
- Wisconsin
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Idaho
- New Mexico
- Michigan
- Maine
- North Carolina
- Utah
“Gambling exists in every state, even Hawaii and Utah, where gambling is prohibited by law,” the report states. “But not all gamblers are the same. ‘Recreational’ or ‘social’ gamblers, for instance, buy the occasional lottery ticket, take the rare casino trip or bet small stakes in fantasy sports. But they also are mentally able to quit at any point and prevent catastrophic financial loss. But when the business or pleasure gets out of control, gambling becomes a real medical condition. Gambling disorder, as it’s known, affects about 1-3 percent of all U.S. adults – but it may be on the rise due to increased isolated time spent online during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs such as alcohol can, leading to addiction.’”
That addiction can lead to serious economic consequences. U.S. consumers have over $100 billion per year in gambling losses. Individually, a male gambling addict accumulates an average debt of between $55,000 and $90,000 whereas a female averages $15,000. Most cannot afford to pay back what they owe. As a result, gambling addicts develop a high tendency to amass even more debt, suffer from other health issues, lose their jobs, strain their relationships or even commit crimes.
Sports betting is a problem.
“Sports betting is much like any other type of gambling that one could consider,” said Jarmolowicz. “As with all forms of gambling, some percent of the individuals that engage in wagering are likely to develop problems. Legalizing sports betting simply makes it easier for a larger proportion of the population to become involved – yielding more individuals with problems. Granted, some degree of sports betting is likely, independent of the legality of such actions – but the scale and frequency are likely to increase.”
State lotteries are a mixed bag. “State lotteries provide some needed revenue and bring gambling to the masses,” he said. “The concern is if this is a gateway to gambling in other ways, which is not entirely understood.”
For the report, visit: wallethub.com/edu/states-most-addicted-to-gambling/20846