In a recent study conducted by WalletHub, Pennsylvania was ranked among the most gambling-addicted states in the country. The study examined various factors to determine the level of gambling addiction in each state, including the number of casinos per capita, lottery sales per capita, and gambling-related arrests.
Pennsylvania ranked 7th overall in terms of gambling addiction, with a score of 53.57 out of 100. This is significantly higher than the national average score of 41.88. The state also ranked 12th in terms of casinos per capita, with 1.1 casinos for every 100,000 residents.
One of the main factors contributing to Pennsylvania’s high ranking in the study is the state’s robust gambling industry. Pennsylvania is home to 12 casinos, which generate billions of dollars in revenue each year. In fact, the state’s casinos brought in over $3.4 billion in revenue in 2020 alone.
Additionally, Pennsylvania has a strong lottery presence, with the state lottery reporting over $4.5 billion in sales in 2020. This high level of lottery participation contributes to the overall gambling addiction rate in the state.
The study also found that Pennsylvania had a relatively high number of gambling-related arrests, with 5.53 arrests per 100,000 residents. While this may indicate a higher level of enforcement of gambling laws in the state, it is also a sign that gambling addiction is a significant issue that law enforcement officials are working to address.
Overall, the study highlights the prevalence of gambling addiction in Pennsylvania and the need for increased awareness and support for those struggling with gambling-related issues. As the state continues to expand its gambling industry, it will be important for policymakers and public health officials to address the potential negative impacts of increased gambling activity on residents.