A new statewide survey suggests that Arizona sports betting has an ongoing need for stronger prevention and treatment efforts for problem gambling. While overall gambling participation has remained relatively steady, Arizona adults are gambling more frequently than they were three years ago. The findings come from the Arizona Department of Gaming’s latest report, which examines how gambling habits and responsible gambling awareness have changed since the previous survey in 2022.
According to the survey, 84% of Arizona adults participated in at least one form of gambling during the previous 12 months, a figure that remained largely unchanged from the prior statewide study. However, participation has become more frequent.
The share of respondents who said they gamble at least once a week increased from 25% to 30%, indicating that regular gambling has become more common.
Lottery games remained Arizona’s most popular gambling activity, but sports wagering continued to gain ground. The survey found participation in sports betting increased by 22% compared with 2022, while 22% of Arizona adults reported placing wagers through an online sportsbook or mobile app during the previous year.
Researchers also found participation in cryptocurrency-related gambling increased by 21%, identifying prediction markets as another emerging gambling-related activity among Arizona residents.
Although most respondents reported gambling without significant issues, the survey found gambling-related harm remains a concern.
Approximately one in five Arizona adults reported experiencing some level of gambling-related harm. The report also found that roughly 18% of respondents fell into the moderate to high-risk range on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Approximately 4% of Arizona adults would meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. The highest levels of risk were found among younger adults.
This is a major concern because younger adults are more vulnerable. It’s why several other states have implemented educational programs to address this issue. For example, earlier this year, New Jersey instituted mandatory education about problem gambling on college campuses.
That approach mirrors the goals behind the recently introduced POINTS Act, which would direct an estimated $100 million annually toward gambling addiction prevention, treatment, recovery services, and research without creating a new tax. Expanding access to treatment has become increasingly important as legal sports betting continues to grow across the country. The findings from the Arizona report highlight how important it is to address this issue.
The survey also identified encouraging signs that Arizona’s responsible gambling messaging is reaching more residents.
Compared with the previous statewide survey, awareness of the state’s 1-800-NEXT-STEP problem gambling helpline increased by 40%. The report also found digital and social media played a larger role in raising awareness than they did three years earlier, while traditional media accounted for a smaller share of public recognition.
This is encouraging because it shows that initiatives to prioritize responsible gaming to address problem gambling are working.
Most respondents also expressed support for voluntary self-exclusion programs, prevention initiatives, treatment services, and Arizona taking an active role in reducing gambling-related harm.
Surveys like this one from the Arizona Division of Problem Gambling are essential to raise awareness about this issue.
