New Report Shows States With Highest Gambling Addiction

Popular finance website WalletHub is shining a light on problem gambling with a new report ranking the most “gambling-addicted” states.

The study used a total of 20 factors to rank the states. Most of the factors focus on the state’s “friendliness” towards gambling, while the others involve gambling problems and treatments. While the top-ranked (Nevada) and bottom-ranked (Utah) states were expected, the report did reveal some surprises.

On top of ranking states, the report also found that diagnosed gambling disorders affect 1-3% of all US adults.

Wide range of factors considered

The report considered many factors in its study, allowing it to provide a clear picture of where each state stands. Below is a table with what researchers considered.

Does Mississippi need legal sports betting?

One of the most surprising findings from WalletHub’s report was that Mississippi ranked among the top five most gambling addicted states. While the state offers only limited online betting, it boasts a robust retail market. This led them to be ranked 11th in gambling friendliness, higher than several other markets with large mobile markets.

The biggest problem was their programs and resources for addressing problem gambling. WalletHub ranked Mississippi as the worst state, signaling a serious issue. 

Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the US, which means it doesn’t have the money to fund those programs. Legalizing mobile betting would generate those funds, but also lead to an even higher spike in problem gambling. 

A shout-out to the Sunshine State

Florida’s mobile sports betting market created massive controversy when it was first legalized. Several groups sued Florida, claiming their decision to hand full control of the market to the Seminole Tribe without a public vote. They argued this violated several laws and would create a monopoly in the Sunshine State, but the efforts ultimately failed to stop it.

Flash forward to today, and Florida ranks in the bottom ten of this list, making it one of the least gambling-addicted states in the US. They were 43rd overall, largely thanks to their problem gambling resources ranking in the top four in the country. That puts them in company with states where sports betting remains illegal or restricted. 

There is reason to wonder if Florida’s sports betting market ranking so well is a result of its unique arrangement with the Seminole Tribe. We may find out soon enough, as states like Wisconsin look to follow Florida’s lead.