Summary
- The NCPG publishes its third national survey on gambling attitudes and experiences.
- The survey reveals a decrease in the number of people experiencing gambling-related harm in 2024.
- Nevertheless, there continues to be a need for increased awareness of the issue.
The National Council on Problem Gambling has released its latest report, the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Experiences 3.0. This survey assesses gambling behavior in 2024 and projects broader trends in consumer behavior based on the findings. The NCPG previously conducted two similar surveys in 2018 and 2021 to monitor consumer behavior amidst the increasing legalization of online gambling nationwide.
People showing symptoms of problem gambling are fewer today than in 2021
A survey conducted across all 50 states and the District of Columbia included interviews with 3,013 participants between January 26, 2024, and March 20, 2024. The findings revealed that gamblers in the United States were not significantly more affected by problem gambling and related harms in 2024 compared to 2018. By 2024, at least 38 states and the District of Columbia had regulated sports gambling and other betting products, a significant increase from just a few states in 2018 when the initial survey was conducted. In comparison, it was estimated that 7% of the adult population exhibited at least one of four markers of gambling harm in 2018, rising slightly to 8% in 2024. Although there was a slight increase, these numbers are a decrease from the 11% reported in 2021, which served as a midpoint during the pandemic when shutdowns drove many people to gamble more frequently. Researchers suggest this is a likely cause for the fluctuation. Another noteworthy aspect from the survey was the public's perception of problem gambling. Despite approximately 20 million people in the United States potentially experiencing gambling-related harm, only 39% regarded it as a serious problem warranting further investigation.
More education is needed, but the number of total gamblers contracts slightly
The NPCG issued a statement emphasizing the critical need to increase awareness about problem gambling and its associated challenges, despite a decrease in individuals flagged with gambling-related issues. A notable finding from the survey highlights that the widespread legalization of sports gambling has not significantly increased its participation. From 2021 to 2024, the percentage of those engaging in sports gambling only slightly declined from 26% to 23%.
