Arizona Survey Finds Gambling Harm Among Nearly One in Five Adults

PHOENIX: A new Arizona survey found 18% of adults reported at least one indicator of gambling-related harm.

The findings expose a wide gap between reported harm and routine healthcare screening, where only 7.6% of respondents recalled being asked about gambling.

The state commissioned Problem Gambling Solutions Inc. to survey 1,047 Arizona adults online in December 2025. The research examined gambling participation, frequency, harm indicators, treatment awareness and attitudes toward state intervention.

Weekly Gambling Rose from 2023

The 2026 Arizona gambling survey found that 84% of respondents had gambled during the previous 12 months, leaving 16% who reported no gambling. Weekly participation reached 30%, up from 25% in the 2023 survey.

Among weekly gamblers, 39% fell into moderate- to high-risk problem gambling categories, against 7% among people gambling monthly or less. Researchers estimated that about 4% of Arizona adults age 21 and older may meet criteria for gambling disorder, though the figure reflects survey responses rather than a clinical diagnosis. Nearly half of gamblers, 49%, were classified as minimum-risk, with no adverse consequences or behavioral symptoms reported.

Lottery games and slot machines remained the most frequently reported activities. Sports betting followed, with 21% of respondents saying they had participated.

Healthcare Screening Trails Other Behavioral Checks

Only 7.6% of respondents said a healthcare professional asked about gambling during their most recent general health screening. The rate was 55.4% for mental health concerns and 47% for alcohol or substance use.

The report associated gambling-related harm with mental health conditions, substance use and other behavioral concerns. “This represents an opportunity to make routine screening an early intervention – helping to identify and support people at risk for problem gambling”, Division Director Elise Mikkelsen said.

Awareness of Arizona’s 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline rose to 48% from 40% in 2023. Yet 45% of respondents said they knew how to find help for someone with a gambling problem, and 43% believed treatment services were available in their communities.

The state helpline is staffed by Master’s-level counselors who connect callers with community resources. Arizona’s Treatment Assistance Program funds subsidized outpatient care specific to problem gambling, including telehealth.

State Funding Creates Room for Wider Programs

The survey found that 64% of respondents wanted Arizona to take a leadership role in reducing gambling harm. It arrives weeks after the state expanded problem gambling funding authority, including a 20% increase in the division’s spending limit for fiscal year 2027.

The division said the findings will guide prevention, treatment and recovery work, with healthcare screening and treatment awareness identified as areas for further action.

RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling