A recent report on problem gambling commissioned by the Arizona Department of Gaming has revealed a notable increase in the number of residents engaging in weekly gambling activities. The findings also highlight areas where Arizona can enhance its approach to mitigating gambling-related issues.
The data indicates that in 2025, 84% of adults in Arizona participated in gambling, with nearly 20% showing a moderate to high risk for gambling-related harm. Approximately 4% of those surveyed may be classified as having a gambling disorder.
While these results are consistent with earlier studies, the latest survey on Gambling Behaviors, Attitudes, and Experiences Among Arizona Adult Residents has unveiled several significant trends. These include a rise in gambling frequency, increased online betting, and greater involvement in cryptocurrency-related gambling activities.
The report also points out the emergence of new gambling formats, such as prediction markets, and suggests ways to better tackle gambling-related harms. One recommendation is to implement screening for gambling behaviors during healthcare visits.
Elise Mikkelsen, director of the Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling (ADPG), emphasized this finding in the report's announcement.
Interestingly, the survey revealed that only a small fraction of Arizonans are questioned about their gambling habits during healthcare appointments, despite much higher rates of inquiries regarding alcohol, substance abuse, and mental health issues. This presents a valuable opportunity for routine screenings to serve as early interventions, aiding in the identification and support of individuals at risk for problem gambling.
Healthcare Workers Should Screen for Gambling Harms
In a discussion with Gambling Insider, Suzanne Trainor, the public information officer for ADPG, addressed the concerning gap in screenings.
Among the 1,047 Arizonans surveyed last December, only 7.6% reported being screened for gambling issues. In comparison, 47.2% indicated that healthcare providers inquired about alcohol or substance use, while 55.4% were asked about mental health.
“Many Arizonans are reporting that they are not being asked,” Trainor stated. “We view this report as a tool to engage with stakeholders, the public, and the medical community to initiate change.”
She further noted the importance of collaborating with local and state universities and other agencies in Arizona that share similar goals to improve these statistics.
Many individuals facing gambling problems also deal with co-occurring issues, which is why the focus on behavioral health centers is crucial. Integrating these services with primary care could prove beneficial, and it is an area we intend to further explore, as the gap identified is quite significant.
The report, commissioned by ADPG to evaluate problem gambling in the state, serves as a follow-up to a 2023 survey. Conducted by Problem Gambling Solutions, the ADPG released a summary of the findings earlier this month.
Arizona Has Chance to Improve Knowledge of Self-Exclusion and Supports
Additionally, the report highlighted the need to enhance awareness of Arizona’s voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) programs and improve confidence in problem gambling services.
Only 19% of respondents reported being aware of these programs, indicating a clear need for increased education and outreach.