Thanks to movies and pop culture, many people believe that the United States has the most gamblers and the highest rate of problem gambling in the world, but the reality is different. There are several regions where the gambling industry is extremely popular and well-developed, generating some of the highest revenues. When it comes to problem gambling, a few countries face serious issues that must be properly addressed.
Some people find gambling an interesting way to kill time and have fun. For others, however, gambling goes well beyond a leisure activity, often leading to serious issues that may require professional help.
In the past, gambling was possible only in person at land-based casino facilities. Nowadays, thanks to the internet and smartphone innovations, anyone can gamble without leaving home. This has led to a growing number of people with gambling addictions. Because the industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, it is only natural that it strives to attract more players every day. This, however, also leads to even more problem gamblers across the world.
According to several studies, about 20 million people in the United States have reported that their gambling interferes with their daily lives, a condition defined as compulsive gambling. This is considered the final stage before full gambling addiction, a treatable yet serious psychological issue. Many people underestimate the seriousness of problem gambling, and research shows that more than 80% of individuals who suffer from a gambling addiction do not seek help. Meanwhile, about 70% of people who undergo some form of treatment eventually return to problematic gambling behavior.
Problem gambling is a serious issue that often leads to, or is related to, other mental health problems, substance abuse, nicotine dependence, and additional serious conditions. The effects of problem gambling also include huge financial losses, major depressive disorders that can be passed down to the next generation, higher rates of domestic abuse, and various other serious issues. That is why countries around the world are trying to regulate the gambling industry and reduce gambling prevalence rates.
Risk Factors That May Lead to Problem Gambling
Similar to other addictions, problem gambling is associated with risk factors such as mental health issues like depression or anxiety, a disruptive home environment, and lack of support from peers or the community. Research from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication shows that about 96.3% of pathological gamblers also suffer from one or more additional mental disorders.
The Age
The Gender
The Age
Aside from mental health, age is another risk factor. Studies show that compulsive gambling is most often an issue among younger individuals and middle-aged gamblers. That said, older adults are also at risk of developing gambling addiction.
The Gender
Gender is another factor that can influence problem gambling. Studies show men are more likely to become addicted to gambling. However, women who start gambling later in life may develop an addiction faster than their male counterparts.
Having friends or family members with a gambling problem can also contribute to gambling issues. In addition, personal traits such as competitiveness, impulsivity, workaholism, and restlessness may lead to compulsive gambling.
Underage Gambling
One of the most serious issues common across the globe is underage gambling. According to studies, more than half of U.S. secondary school students participated in some form of real-money gambling in 2019.
Underage gambling is also closely linked to illegal gambling because individuals below the legal gambling age can place bets only on websites that are not properly regulated. Not only do black-market operators tolerate such activity, they often use tactics to lure young adults into illegal wagering, creating a gateway to gambling addiction at an early age.
Because most young people actively use smartphones, exposure to illegal gambling is even easier. Therefore, many jurisdictions are searching for effective methods to combat underage gambling and impose rigorous identity checks to protect younger people.
In most countries, the legal gambling age is set at 18, which is also the age for most adult activities. It is widely believed that this is the age at which individuals are capable of deciding whether they should smoke, drink, vote, gamble, and so on. This is also the legal gambling age recommended by the World Lottery Association, which believes that raising the limit would only worsen the underage gambling issue. An age limit higher than 18 would simply give illegal operators more leverage to lure younger individuals into illegal gambling activities.
Trends in Gambling
Several global trends are evident in gambling worldwide. Age group, gender, and social background all influence the industry and can be considered preconditions for gambling addiction.
Gambling Among Adolescents
Compulsive Gambling
Crimes From Gambling-Related Purposes
Gambling Addiction
Gambling Among Adolescents
Studies on problem gambling in Europe show that the issue is more common among adolescents than among adults. In countries like the UK, adolescent problem gambling rates are at least four to five times higher than adult rates. When tracking gambling participation in the UK between 2013 and 2016, the highest participation each year was in the 45 to 64 age group. However, a 2019 survey on problem gambling in the UK found that individuals aged 25 to 34 were most likely to report gambling issues, followed by those aged 16 to 24.
Many experts believe that younger individuals are more likely to develop a gambling addiction because online gambling is so accessible. About 23% of college students in the US report having gambled online, with 6% of them doing so weekly.
Compulsive Gambling
Another troubling trend is that compulsive gambling affects the families of those with the addiction. Studies show that households with at least one parent who gambles compulsively are more likely to experience domestic violence, including child abuse. Even when gambling is not the direct cause of abuse, children with a parent who has a gambling problem are more likely to suffer from depression, substance abuse, and other behavioral issues.
Crimes From Gambling-Related Purposes
Although gambling is legal in many countries, it is often linked to criminal activity. Most commonly, these crimes are motivated by the need to obtain more money for gambling. Offenses associated with problem gambling include shoplifting, embezzlement, fraud, forgery, and burglary. More than two-thirds of compulsive gamblers in the US report committing illegal acts because of their gambling.
Data from Gamblers Anonymous meetings indicate that 80% to 90% of attendees have committed crimes to fund their gambling. About 63% admit to writing bad checks, while roughly 30% say they have stolen from their workplaces. Compulsive gamblers are also seven times more likely to be arrested than non-gamblers.
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction among adults is more common than underage gambling because adults have access to various legal forms of gambling. In addition, they usually have the financial resources to gamble, whereas underage players often lack the funds needed to place bets.
Research in the UK indicates that men are almost eight times more likely to become problem gamblers than women. Nevertheless, overall gambling participation is similar for both sexes. About 66% of males and 59% of females report taking part in gambling activities, including lottery games. Some researchers believe that men tend to be more impulsive than women, which may make them more prone to problem gambling. Because men are more likely to chase losses, they have a greater chance of becoming compulsive gamblers.
Problem Gambling in Different Regions
Problem gambling is a global issue that affects individuals worldwide. You might assume that the casinos of Sin City put the United States at the top of the list for problem gambling rates. Despite Las Vegas’s reputation, several other countries have even higher prevalence rates. Many of them are continually battling illegal gambling and working to create a safer environment for people with gambling problems.
Australia
Europe
Asia
North America
Australia
Australia tops the list for problem gambling and has the highest rate of losses per gambler. In 2017, Australia recorded the highest per capita loss in a single year, averaging $1,288 per person. Figures for 2017-2018 show that Australians spent about $177 per capita on racing, $1,017 on gaming, and $62 on sports betting.
Because of the high level of gambling activity, the central bank raised its interest rate. The main driver of gambling prevalence is New South Wales, where most gaming machines are located. Recent studies indicate that about 80% of Australians participate in some form of gambling. Aussies wager more than any other nation, spending roughly $18 billion in a single year.
Australia has more pokies (slot machines) per capita than almost any other country, with nearly 200,000 machines nationwide. While some people see slot machines as a fun way to pass the time, others become seriously addicted to the flashing lights, colorful designs, and sound effects.
Statistics show that about 0.5% to 1% of Australian adults are problem gamblers, while 1.4% to 2.1% are moderate-risk gamblers. This equates to roughly 56,000 problem gamblers nationwide. There are about 158,000 moderate-risk gamblers and 373,000 low-risk gamblers in the country.
Concern about problem gambling is increasing because the industry has been heavily promoted in recent years. Research from 2019 found an average of 374 gambling ads on Australian television each day, almost five times the number of alcohol advertisements. The number of active online gamblers also rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, although part of that increase resulted from the closure of land-based venues.
Europe
Europe includes several countries with high gambling prevalence rates. As the industry continues to grow, many European nations rank near the top for problem gambling. Comparing Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) across Europe shows that the UK held the leading position with €11 billion in 2009.
Looking at losses per person, Ireland experiences the highest per capita loss in Europe at $588 per year. Betting and lotteries are the most popular forms of gambling there, and Ireland also ranks near the top for GGR per capita. Research by the Department of Health estimates that about 30,000 people in Ireland have gambling problems, yet only about 1% receive treatment.
Gambling participation among adolescents in Ireland is two to three times higher than among adults. In 2010, the cost of addressing problem gambling exceeded the revenue generated by the industry, including taxes. Alarmingly, one in five individuals with a gambling addiction attempts suicide, more than double the rate associated with other addictions.
Finland is another European country with a high rate of gambling addiction. Studies show that about 2.7% of residents aged 15 to 74 experience gambling-related problems. The issue is more common among males, with 4.7% of men and 1.6% of women affected. The group with the most problem gamblers is the 25 to 34 age bracket. Around 56% of those reporting gambling addiction engage in gambling daily or every other day. In 2011, Finland raised the minimum gambling age from 15 to 18, leading to a significant decline in gambling among young males. Rates among young females were already low even before the change.
The prevalence of problem gambling in the UK continues to rise, with about 2.7% of adults – or nearly 1.4 million people – reporting gambling problems. Despite this, a study by the National Gambling Treatment Service found that only about 3% of those affected seek help through some form of treatment. Data from 2017 indicate that roughly 63% of UK adults aged 16 and older gambled at least once during the previous year.
About 66% of gamblers in the UK are male and 59% are female. The National Lottery and scratchcards are the most common forms of gambling. Even when National Lottery players are excluded, about 45% of UK adults reported some form of gambling in 2017. Younger adults exhibit the highest participation rates. Between 2012 and 2015, the number of problem gamblers in the UK rose by more than 50%. Approximately 2.8% of adults were classified as low-risk gamblers and 1.1% as moderate-risk gamblers. The problem gambling rate was 1.5% for men and 0.2% for women.
Asia
Singapore’s gambling industry has grown rapidly, but the country has also sustained some of the world’s largest losses. It ranks second globally, with per capita gambling losses of $1,174 in a single year.
After the country’s first casino opened in 2010, concerns about rising gambling addiction grew. To curb local participation, the government imposed an $81 entry fee for residents who wish to gamble in casinos. A Family Exclusion Order also allows Singaporeans to bar relatives from entering casinos. Despite these measures, the number of active gamblers continues to rise, exposing many people to gambling-related risks.
The most recent study from 2014 found pathological gambling rates in Singapore at about 0.7%. That year, problem gamblers spent an average of $313 on bets, a decrease compared to previous years. In 2017, the rate rose slightly to 0.9%, which the National Council on Problem Gambling considered a modest increase.
Macau’s gambling industry has expanded so rapidly that the region is now the world’s leading gambling destination. Surprisingly, its problem gambling rate is not the highest in Asia. Since the territory began allowing people with gambling problems to register, 1,146 individuals have done so. By 2018, the number of registered problem gamblers had fallen by 15.3%, with only 133 people reporting an addiction.
Problem gambling is also a concern in Hong Kong. A 2003 study found a problem gambling rate of 5.8%, with 4% of participants classified as problem gamblers and 1.8% as pathological gamblers. The most common forms of gambling include horse racing, soccer betting, mahjong, and gambling in Macau casinos.
Recent studies show that more than 40% of Hong Kong residents under 18 have engaged in some form of gambling, including football bets, card games, and video games. Cabin Hong Kong is an organization that helps teens avoid gambling-related risks that could lead to addiction. In recent years, the problem gambling rate in Hong Kong has fallen to 1.4% in 2016, down from 2% in 2012.
North America
Studies indicate that roughly three-quarters of Canadians have engaged in some form of gambling. The highest concentration of gamblers is in Saskatchewan, where revenue reaches $841 per person. The lottery is the most popular form of gambling, and it is so widespread that the government has urged citizens to stop giving lottery tickets to minors. In 2017, Canadians lost an average of $568 per capita, ranking fourth worldwide for per capita losses.
Canada’s regulated gambling industry generates about CA$17.3 billion in annual revenue. In 2017, the sector grew by 4.9%, and it continues to expand each year. Research from 2016 shows that about 59% of Canadians aged 18 to 34 have gambled at least once. Only 2% of Canadian gamblers acknowledge occasional gambling problems. Studies place the problem gambling rate at 0.04% in Quebec and at 1.4% and 1.2% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, respectively.
A study by the North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help estimates that about 2.6% of Americans consider themselves problem gamblers. Approximately 10 million people in the US struggle with a gambling habit. Although the cost of addressing problem gambling reached $73 million in 2016, regulation remains the responsibility of individual states, and some states offer little or no assistance to those in need.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) reports that about 15% of Americans gamble at least once a week. Between 2% and 3% qualify as problem gamblers, representing roughly 6 million adults and half a million teenagers.
Adolescents are two to three times more likely than adults to develop a gambling addiction. About 6% of US college students report gambling problems, and around 40% of problem gamblers began gambling before age 17. Nevada currently has the highest problem-gambling prevalence in the US at 6.4%.
Amount Spent on Gambling
Often, countries with the highest problem gambling rates also rank among those that spend the most on gambling. Although the amount gamblers spend is not always a reliable indicator of gambling addiction prevalence in each country, some researchers see a link between high wagering amounts and problem gambling.
Even though Macau has far fewer casinos than Las Vegas, its gambling revenue is much higher than that of Sin City. In 2019, the gambling industry in Macau generated an additional $29 billion, while Las Vegas’ contribution was only $6.6 billion.
Looking at annual gambling expenditure, China takes the lead with $36.5 billion. The United States follows with yearly spending of $35.5 billion, while gamblers in Japan spend $18.6 billion per year.
Research shows that U.K. individuals with gambling problems spend about £98 per day, whereas the average player wagers roughly £14 a day. Reports indicate that, in 2019, the average American gambler spent $261 on casino games and the lottery. Meanwhile, Mainland China’s total gambling expenditure in 2019 reached US$145 billion.
When we compare losses per capita in 2016, Australia ranks first with total losses of $18.3 billion. However, the largest overall loss that year was reported in the United States at $116.9 billion.
Measures Taken to Prevent Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious issue worldwide, and jurisdictions are working to regulate the sector and protect vulnerable people from gambling-related risks. Measures adopted by various countries include raising the minimum gambling age, tightening industry regulations, and supporting organizations that help teens and other high-risk individuals.
The UK government recently announced a review of the Gambling Act 2005, aiming to create a safer environment for minors and high-risk groups. One recent change raised the minimum legal age to participate in the National Lottery from 16 to 18.
Finland also saw a drop in teenage problem gambling after raising the minimum gambling age from 15 to 18. The Finnish gambling operator Veikkaus recently announced plans to reduce the number of slot machines in an effort to lower the country’s problem-gambling rate even further.
In Canada, authorities are introducing various measures to promote responsible gambling and reduce risks for young adults. With the holiday season approaching, the government reminded citizens that, although lottery tickets can be a fun gift, they should not be given to minors.
Various organizations in Macau are also working to lower the region’s problem-gambling rate. For example, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) promoted responsible gambling by organizing several family-themed activities. Workshops on healthy parent-child relationships, training programs, and other events supported the Macau SAR Government’s mission to reach more people.
Biggest loss amount per capital in a year
Biggest loss by country
Gross Gaming Revenue
Gambling Participation in Singapore
Problem Gamblers in the UK
Distribution of Regular Australian Gamblers by Age
Regular Australian Gamblers by Sex
Biggest loss amount per capital in a year
| Biggest loss amount per capita in a year |
| Australia | $1,288 |
| Singapore | $1,174 |
| Ireland | $588 |
| Canada | $568 |
| Finland | $553 |
Biggest loss by country
| Biggest loss by country (2016, in billion dollars) |
| United States | 116.9 |
| China | 62.4 |
| Japan | 24.1 |
| Italy | 19 |
| Australia | 18.3 |
| United Kingdom | 18 |
Gross Gaming Revenue
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in European Countries in 2019 (in billion euros) |
| Italy | 18.1 |
| Germany | 14.3 |
| France | 12.2 |
| Spain | 8.9 |
| Netherlands | 3.1 |
| Finland | 2 |
| Belgium | 1.9 |
Gambling Participation in Singapore
| Gambling Participation in Singapore 2005 – 2017 |
| 2005 | 58% |
| 2008 | 54% |
| 2011 | 47% |
| 2014 | 44% |
| 2017 | 52% |
Problem Gamblers in the UK
| Problem Gamblers in the UK (2016 – 2018) by age | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| 18 – 24 years | 0.8% | 1.7% | 1% |
| 25 – 34 years | 0.7% | 1.4% | 1.4% |
| 35 – 44 years | 0.6% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| 45 – 54 years | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% |
| 55 – 64 years | 0.9% | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| 65+ years | 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% |
Distribution of Regular Australian Gamblers by Age
| Distribution of Regular Australian Gamblers by Age (2015) |
| 18-29 | 11.9% |
| 30-49 | 34% |
| 50-64 | 30.4% |
| 65+ | 23.8% |
Regular Australian Gamblers by Sex
| Regular Australian Gamblers by Sex (2015) |
| Male | 54.2% |
| Female | 45.8% |
