New York is one of the most gambling-addicted states, a new WalletHub study found.
Gambling exists basically in every state, but there is a huge difference between those who gamble recreationally and socially, versus those addicted to gambling, which is considered a real medical addiction disorder in the DSM-5. Gambling disorder, according to WalletHub, affects anywhere between 1%-3% of adults in the United States.
This addiction can cause debilitating financial struggles for Americans, the study states. In 2025, the gambling industry made $78.72 billion in revenue, a 9.2% increase from the previous year, according to the American Gaming Association’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. However, Americans, according to WalletHub, experience over $100 billion in total gambling losses per year.
“Gambling addictions can destroy lives the same way that alcohol and drug addictions can. While some people may be able to enjoy casual gambling from time to time, others need to avoid temptation altogether,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said. “People with a gambling addiction may find it helpful to live in states where places to gamble are less prevalent and laws against betting are stricter.”
To determine where excessive gambling is most prevalent, WalletHub compared all 50 states across 20 metrics ranging from the presence of illegal gambling operations to lottery sales per capita to the share of adults with gambling disorders.
Here is what to know about New York’s ranking.
Why is NY among the most gambling-addicted states?
New York was ranked the No. 13 most gambling-addicted state in the U.S., with an overall score of 44.85.
In 1967, the New York Lottery became the first sanctioned gambling form in the state, according to a report from the New York City Public Advocate. Since then, the New York Lottery has remained one of the largest and most profitable lotteries in North America.
Although NY ranked among the 15 most gambling-addicted states, its rankings across some of the study’s metrics showed that it is not as bad as some other states. For example, the Empire State scored the No. 15 spot for the gambling friendliness rank and the No. 26 spot for the gambling problem and treatment rank.
NY also tied the No. 43 spot for the lowest percent of adults with gambling disorders with Iowa, Indiana and New Mexico, according to the WalletHub study.
WalletHub’s 10 most gambling-addicted states
WalletHub’s 10 least gambling-addicted states
How WalletHub assessed excessive gambling presence
To determine the most and least gambling-addicted states, WalletHub compared the 50 states across two dimensions: gambling-friendliness and gambling problem & treatment.
The gambling-friendliness category analyzed these factors:
The gambling problem & treatment category analyzed these factors:
Data used to create the ranking was collected as of March 24, 2026, and was sourced from multiple entities, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the American Gaming Association, RubinBrown, the National Council on Problem Gambling, the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services and Google ads.
— Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY is one of the most gambling-addicted states in the U.S., report says
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
