SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is the least addicted state to gambling, according to an article on the website wallethub.com.

According to the article, Alaska, Maine, Vermont, Hawaii and North Carolina also rank among the states least addicted to gambling.

The article states that gambling occurs in every state, even ones where it is illegal. 

According to the article, the addiction to gambling can get out of control quickly and can cause a medical condition known as Gambling disorder. It impacts roughly 1 to 3 percent of all adults in the country. However, that number may be on the increase due to isolated time spent online during the pandemic. 

The addiction to gambling can have significant financial ramifications. According to the article, U.S. gamblers suffer more than $100 billion per year in financial losses. 

A male who is addicted to gambling can build up a debt of between $55,000 and $90,000, the article states. Additionally, a female who has a gambling problem can have an average debt of $15,000.

Nevada, South Dakota, Montana, Mississippi and Oklahoma were ranked as the most addicted states to gambling, according to the article. 

Read more:

• Officials raided a Roy gas station allegedly running a gambling operation
• Lawmaker drafting bill to tighten rules on illegal gambling machines in Utah

 

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