Study Finds 18% of Arizona Bettors At Risk for Problem Gambling

A new study in Arizona has delivered some troubling results.

The Arizona Department of Problem Gambling (ADPG) recently released its 2026 study on the impact of gambling on the state. While it found that the regulated sports betting industry is continuing to grow, it also determined that around one in every five residents was at “moderate” or “high” risk for problem gambling. 

The group conducted a similar study back in 2022-23, giving them base stats to compare the latest results to.

Problem Gambling is On the Rise

In its study, the ADPG found that almost 20% of respondents had experienced gambling-related problems. Most of these were financial, ranging from small unexpected debts to massive life-changing issues. This means about one in every five Arizona bettors is dealing with problem gambling.

Approximately one in five Arizona adults experienced some level of gambling-related harm, and an estimated 4% would be expected to meet diagnostic criteria for Gambling Disorder. Although most Arizonans gamble without experiencing serious adverse consequences, the findings indicate that gambling-related harm remains an important public health concern in Arizona.

Fortunately, the awareness and support for problem gambling resources is also on the rise. That includes Arizona’s 1-800-NEXT-STEP hotline, which saw awareness rise by 40% compared to the 2023 study.

Arizona Bettors Are More Active

Over 80% of respondents said they participated in gambling over the last year. This closely matches results from a few years ago, showing the number of bettors has remained steady. However, it appears those Arizonans are betting more often. 

The ADPG found that 30% of respondents were gambling on a weekly basis. That’s up 5% from 2023, showing bettors are becoming more active. While legal sports betting is a big reason for the jump, most players cited the Arizona Lottery as their preferred option. 

Impact of Predictions Has Been Limited

The ADPG’s study dedicated a section to the presence of sports prediction markets and the state’s fight to regulate them. The group highlighted the problem gambling dangers that the emerging industry has only recently embraced the use of resources to fight the issue.

While the study made the ADPG’s stance on prediction markets clear, it seems the impact has been limited so far. That’s because only 5% of respondents said they wagered using these platforms within the last year. While that rate is low, the data was taken before the 2026 World Cup, where operators like Kalshi and Polymarket ads were all over stadiums, events, and television. 

The lack of engagement with prediction markets shows how serious a problem gambling has become, and why so many states fear the rising popularity of the controversial industry.