Fewer Americans Are Gambling, Survey Shows
Gallup research indicates declining interest in lotteries and casinos.
1Decline in Gambling Participation
According to Gallup's telephone surveys conducted in June and July, 45% of U.S. adults reported participating in at least one type of gambling in the past year. This figure was 64% a decade ago, aligning with results from 2003 and 2007. Over 2,200 adults participated in the latest surveys. The decline in gambling participation is particularly noticeable in lotteries and casinos.
2Lotteries and Casinos Lose Appeal
Lottery tickets remain the most popular gambling activity, but participation rates are declining. Between 1989 and 1999, a majority of Americans reported purchasing state lottery tickets. This rate later dropped to the upper 40% range and now stands at 31%. Casino gambling has followed a similar trend: while 20% of adults visited casinos in 1989, the rate peaked at 30% in 2003 and has since fallen to 14%.
3Online Gambling Stands Out
In contrast to the overall decline, online gambling remains an exception. Gallup found that 4% of Americans currently gamble online, making it the only category that has not seen a decline over time. Other activities, such as workplace pools and video poker, have experienced significant drops in participation.
4Growth in Sports Betting
While sports betting has remained relatively stable since 2003, digital sports wagering is showing strong growth. A survey released in April revealed that 27% of Americans have an active sportsbook account, up from 22% in 2025 and 19% in 2024. Among men aged 18-49, this rate reached 52%.
5Demographic Differences
Gallup found that gambling participation has declined across all major demographic groups compared to 2016. Households earning over $100,000 annually reported a 54% participation rate, while those earning $50,000-$99,999 reported 45%, and those earning under $50,000 reported 40%. Men gamble more frequently than women (49% vs. 40%).
6Impact of Survey Methods
Survey methods also influenced the results. Gallup's online poll measured overall participation at 53%, while telephone polling found 45%. For sports betting, online participation was 21%, compared to 15% via telephone. These differences highlight how survey methods can affect outcomes.
7Potential Harms and Concerns
Gallup found that 3% of all adults and 7% of gamblers admitted to sometimes gambling more than they should. Additionally, 9% reported that gambling had caused family problems. Attitudes toward gambling are also shifting, with 57% of Americans now considering it morally acceptable, down from 67% in 2016.
8Implications of Declining Gambling Rates
The decline in gambling participation reflects broader societal changes, including shifting attitudes and economic factors. While online gambling and sports betting show resilience, traditional forms like lotteries and casinos face challenges. Policymakers and industry leaders must address these trends to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors.
Original article: ReadWrite — Amerikalıların Kumar Oynama Oranı Düşüyor