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Fremont Hotel & Casino, left, and Four Queens Resort and Casino along Fremont. St. in downtown on Wednesday,\u00a0Dec. 15, 2021 in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Gary Coronado\/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images<\/p>\n
A new study suggests Texas may have a gambling<\/a> problem \u2014 especially for a state where most forms of gambling are illegal.<\/p>\n Despite having some of the strictest gambling laws in the U.S., a 2026 WalletHub analysis ranks Texas among the 15 most gambling-addicted states. And the issue extends beyond \u201crecreational\u201d players who buy lottery tickets.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Gambling can become more than a vice. When it spirals out of control, it is classified as \u201cgambling disorder,\u201d a medical condition now considered an addiction in the DSM-5, rather than a compulsive disorder. About 1% to 3% of U.S. adults struggle with gambling disorder, according to Psychology Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n Unsurprisingly, an addiction to gambling can have significant economic consequences. While the U.S. commercial gaming industry reached a record high in 2025, generating $78.72 billion<\/a> in gross gaming revenue, U.S. consumers continue to lose over $100 billion<\/a> every year.<\/p>\n \u201cGambling addictions can destroy lives the same way that alcohol and drug addictions can. While some people may be able to enjoy casual gambling from time to time, others need to avoid temptation altogether,\u201d WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says. \u201cPeople 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.\u201d<\/p>\n To compare states, WalletHub analyzed 50 metrics, including illegal gambling operations, lottery sales per capita and the share of adults with gambling disorders.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what the data reveals about the Lone Star State\u2019s gambling problem.<\/p>\n Texas has eighth-highest prevalence of gambling problems, treatments<\/p>\n Texas\u2019 strict laws have not eliminated gambling behavior. The state ranks No. 30 for overall gambling-friendliness but No. 8 for prevalence of gambling problems and treatment access. It ranks No. 15 overall among the most gambling-addicted states.<\/p>\n 15 most gambling-addicted states, 2026<\/p>\n Nevada Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What is gambling disorder?<\/p>\n Compulsive gambling is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your professional and personal life.\u00a0According to Yale Medicine<\/a>, excessive gambling can drain finances, ruin personal and professional relationships, and harm the gambler\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n Access to online betting \u2014 including poker, sports wagering and daily fantasy sports \u2014 can contribute to the disorder.<\/p>\n How is gambling disorder diagnosed?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nSouth Dakota
\nMontana
\nMississippi
\nLouisiana
\nWest Virginia
\nPennsylvania
\nNew Jersey
\nOregon
\nOklahoma
\nNorth Dakota
\nMissouri
\nNew York
\nTennessee
\nTexas<\/p>\n