Nevada topped the list of the most gambling-addicted U.S. states of 2024, according to a recent data study by WalletHub. The data set of 20 key metrics ranged from the presence of illegal betting operations to lottery sales per capita to the share of adults with gambling disorders.

Nevada ranks above all other states in gambling addictions, followed by South Dakota, Montana, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania

Nevada should come as no surprise since it’s home to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of America. An estimated 2.7% of adults in the state suffer from a gambling disorder, one of the highest rates in the country. 

Casinos across the Silver State brought in $15.5 billion in betting revenue in 2023 — a new annual record, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

Gaming operators in the state reported a win revenue of about $1.28 billion for January, per the NGCB. 

That’s approximately a 0.51% increase compared to January 2023, when the gaming win revenue reached $1.27 billion.

Nevada received a 72.52 overall score on WalletHub’s gambling index ranking. Other states in the top five include South Dakota (66.53), Montana (59.45), Louisiana (57.29), and Pennsylvania (55.99). 

“Gambling addictions can destroy lives the same way that alcohol and drug addictions can. While some people may be able to enjoy casual betting from time to time, others need to avoid temptation altogether,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub’s gambling analyst. 

“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.”

Nevada, South Dakota, and Oklahoma lead the U.S. in casinos, gaming machines per capita

Nevada’s betting laws remain lax. The state permits retail and convenience stores to offer electronic gambling machines for customers to play. It allows legalized sports betting and wagering on horse races.

Additionally, Nevada, South Dakota, and Oklahoma lead the U.S. in casinos and gaming machines per capita, according to WalletHub’s study.

Mississippi, Minnesota, Kansas, New Jersey, and Nevada listed in that order have the highest percentage of adults with gambling disorders.

Among the lowest include Michigan, Kentucky, Florida, Connecticut, New York, and New Mexico. It should be noted that wagering is still illegal in Hawaii and Utah.

Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware rank the highest in lottery sales per capita as well. Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah rank the lowest.

Then there’s gambling-related arrests per capita. Hawaii, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Delaware currently lead the nation in arrests. Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, and Kansas have the fewest.