The legalization of gambling has always been restricted on one basis, and that is gambling is a seriously contentious issue. But in the last few years, almost all the states have permitted or legalized some form of gambling.
But which US state gamble the most? And which states suffer from the most addicted gambling problems. Find out the 10 Addicted Gambling States in the US. This is not simply a list of the top states but also discusses the reasons gambling is prevalent in these states.
1. Nevada
Nevada ranks 1st in WalletHub’s 2021 Most Gambling Addicted State rankings. Nevada bags the second position when it comes to Gambling Friendliness Rankings. Also important to note, Nevada ranks far back in the Gambling Problems and Treatment Center list.
Las Vegas (a city in Nevada) is widely popular for its casinos across the world. Popularized by numerous Hollywood movies, Nevada was the first state in the US to legalize gambling (back in 1931). Casinos with poker rooms, blackjack, slot machines, and other recreations of gambling experiences are common in cities like Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.
However, there is some form that you will not find. One common one is Lotteries. Unfortunately, Nevada still doesn’t allow the residents to participate in such events.
The legal gambling age in Nevada is 21; this is much higher than in some states in the US, where the legal gambling age is as low as 18.
Although Nevada ranks in the first position when it comes to the most gambling-addicted state list by WalletHub, you will not find casinos all across the state. However, as far as being addicted is concerned, retain that residents travel across the state lines to have fun at the casinos.
2. South Dakota
South Dakota backs the second rank in WalletHub’s 2021 Most Gambling Addicted State rankings. Overtaking Nevada, South Dakota bags the first position when it comes to Gambling Friendliness Rankings.
Again, South Dakota may not be world-famous for the countless casinos, but it is widely appreciated in the States. The legal age for gambling even in South Dakota is like Nevada, i.e., 21. However, anyone over 18 can participate in live horse racing and simulcast.
The Federal Law, which applies to all the States in the US, requires South Dakota casinos to report any winnings of more than US$ 600. And for winnings more than US$ 50,000, the players have to give 25% as tax.
Understand that the definition of gambling is quite broad in South Dakota, like in many States. However, penalties and sentences for partipating in any illegal gambling are severe. Even involvement can get you up to 10 years of jail term, given it is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Equally important to note is South Dakota ranks 28th on the Problems and Treatment Centers list.
3. Montana
Montana allows anyone above 18 to participate in legal gambling, which is quite rare in the States. There is also an exception over the legal age, which says anyone younger than 18 can participate in a raffle. Anyone over 18 can participate in horse racing, sports betting, poker, as well as lotteries.
Coming to the rankings, Montana ranks in the 4th spot in the Most Addicted US State in WalletHub’s list. Plus, it ranks in the 3rd spot in the Gambling Friendliness State list.
However, Montana ranks far down in the Gambling Problem and Treatment list, occupying the 31st spot. Understand that the lower the ratings, the bad is the treatment facilities in the State are to deal with the problem. And the 31st spot is a clear indication that Montana hasn’t done much to treat the gambling addiction of its local residents.
At the same time, Montana considers online gambling, dog track betting, and fantasy sports betting illegal. And anyone participating in these gambling events can get a jail term or penalize by the State authorities.
4. Mississippi
Mississippi comes at the 3rd spot in WalletHub’s Most Gambling Addicted States list of 2021. However, it ranks far below South Dakota, Nevada, Montana, and several other states when it comes to “Gambling Friendliness Score.”
Mississippi is known for its coastal gambling experiences, where some casinos have more than 10000 slots under one roof. Note that sports betting became legal in Mississippi in 2018. However, since then, the gambling revenues from the state have been over US$ 2 billion.
Be that as it may, the Mississippi score is way worse in terms of dealing with Gambling Problems and Treatment, ranking at the 38th spot. Unlike many states in the US, Mississippi regards online gambling as legal. And this could be one of the reasons why it ranks top in the list of most addicted US states.
Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling has started several initiatives to deal with the problem of gambling.
5. Oklahoma
Also known as the biggest tribal gambling market, Oklahoma is the most populous US state with a native population. Almost all types of gambling in a land-based casino is legal in Oklahoma. Be it sports betting, poker, lotteries, or other types of betting and gambling — Oklahoma has legalized everything.
The state’s laws are not clear about online gambling. This means residents can participate in online gambling. However, illegal gambling of any type can land you severe fines, and you can spend as much as 30 days in jail for engaging in illegal gambling events.
Oklahoma occupies the 5th spot in WalletHub’s Gambling Addicted States list of 2021. Regarding the Gambling Friendliness Score, Oklahoma stands in the 4th spot.
6. West Virginia
Almost heaven, West Virginia ranks 7th in the Gambling Friendliness list and occupies sixth place in WalletHub’s Most Gambling Addicted US States list of 2021. Hardly a month passes without accumulating US$ 10 million in gambling revenue in this Mountain state.
It is the fifth state to legalize gambling in the US. And be it any casino game — Video lottery, Resort casinos, Racetrack casinos, Lottery — West Virginia allows the residents to participate in any form of gambling.
But not only offline gambling but even online sports betting and casino gambling are also off and running in West Virginia. However, at this point, West Virginia prevents the selling and buying of lottery tickets online. Nonetheless, citizens can purchase lottery tickets offline. Online poker is also legal in West Virginia, and players participate in online events in large amounts.
7. New Jersey
New Jersey sets the golden standard for offline and online gambling. Legalized in 2013, online gambling is quite prevalent in the New Jersey state. As far as Atlanta City is concerned, Land-based gambling has been legal in the State since 1978. This makes New Jersey the second state after Nevada to legalize gambling.
Occupying the 7th spot in WalletHub’s Most Gambling Addicted US States list of 2021, New Jersey is one of the most addicted states for online and offline casino gambling and sports betting. Regarding the Gambling Friendliness Score, New Jersey stands in the 9th spot. Additionally, it ranks in the 10th spot on the Gambling Problems and Treatment list.
The legal age for gambling in New Jersey is 21, like in Nevada. However, anyone above 18 can participate in live horse racing and dog races. Lying about the age or partitioning in illegal gambling can land you up to US$ 500 – US$ 1000 in fines.
8. Oregon
Oregon is still not considered a big gambling state in the US. Nonetheless, the statistics speak for themselves. Taking the 8th spot in the Most Gambling Addicted US State list of WalletHub 2021, Oregon is one of the most prevalent states for casino gambling and sports betting.
And although it may not be known as a state famous for gambling and casinos, the gaming options available in Oregon are immense. Known as the Liberal state, Oregon is still to legalize online gambling. However, it is a well-known fact that Oregon takes the matter connected to online gambling lightly. This means the operators cannot run online casinos in the state, but that does not mean citizens cannot participate in online gambling sites and play online poker or blackjack.
Horse racing, Sports, Fantasy sports, Bingo, Card games, Lottery, Video lottery, and Casinos — all gaming options are available in Oregon. The legal age for gambling in the state is 21.
Be that as it may, Oregon ranks in the 38th spot on WalletHub’s Gambling Problems and Treatment list. Although the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling has drafted several committees to deal with gambling addiction concerns, there haven’t been any distinctions.
9. Illinois
Illinois is the second state to legalize riverboat gambling. However, casino gambling and sports betting legalization in the state are quite new, dating back to 2019.
Nonetheless, as of now, there are at least ten large casinos in the entire state of Illinois, earning it the 9th spot in the Most Gambling Addicted US State list of WalletHub 2021.
10. Louisiana
Louisiana ranks 10th in WalletHub’s 2021 Most Gambling Addicted State rankings. Louisiana bags the eight position when it comes to Gambling Friendliness Rankings. Also important to note, Louisiana ranks far back in the Gambling Problems and Treatment Center list.
FAQs
1. Where Do People Gamble Most?
Las Vegas: the home of U.S. gambling. A single casino in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Sands, generated annual revenue of more than US$ 13 billion in the single year of 2019. This is by far the most amount of money a single casino has generated in a single year across the world.
2. Which State in America is Known for Gambling?
All the states that were mentioned in the list are know for gambling. However, state-wide gambling is restricted in almost all the states. In fact, it is only two states — Nevada and Louisinia — have state-wide gambling. Yes, even in South Dakota, Montana, and other top states that rank in the list of most addicted gambling list do not have state-wide permission to conduct gambling.
3. What Type of Gambling is the Most Addictive?
Electronic gambling is the most addictive type of gambling, according to one research. You have to understand that the internet has given access to anyone, regardless of age, to participate in gambling. And the remote nature allows anyone to start their matches anywhere, anytime.