For Immediate Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The gambling landscape in Indiana has undergone significant changes over the past three decades. What began with limited offerings such as lottery scratch-off tickets and horse racing has expanded to include online platforms and mobile sports betting.
Prevention Insights, a translational research center within the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, conducted a statewide survey between October and December 2024. The study found that 88% of Indiana adults engaged in some form of gambling in the past year. This figure that includes adults who participated in at least one activity classified as gambling—such as lotteries, sports betting, or casino-based gambling.
“Expanded accessibility to gambling activities, particularly through smartphones, has raised important public health concerns,” said Desiree Reynolds, director of gambling research at the Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program at Prevention Insights. “In our 2024 survey, almost 30% of adults aged 18–34 reported online sports betting; in 2022, that number was only 12%. Ongoing monitoring of online gambling trends is essential to assess its impact on individuals reporting gambling-related problems."
The survey aimed to evaluate the scope and patterns of gambling participation, the prevalence of problem gambling behaviors, and public awareness of the Indiana Problem Gambling Referral Line (1-800-GAMBLER), a toll-free hotline for gamblers seeking help. The findings offer a comprehensive view of gambling’s broader implications for individuals, families, communities, and the state.
The survey’s results serve to inform the development and implementation of prevention and awareness initiatives across Indiana. Indiana allocates a portion of gambling-generated revenue to fund problem gambling treatment and prevention services.
In 2024, 2.6% of Indiana adults surveyed reported that they considered whether they have a problem with, are dependent on, or are addicted to gambling. However, only 0.4% of Indiana adults reported seeking treatment. The survey also found that only 46.4% of respondents had heard of the Indiana Problem Gambling Referral Line.
“This is an area where we have an opportunity to enhance education and raise awareness,” Reynolds stated. “Sometimes, disordered gambling is described as a silent addiction. Unlike dependence on a substance like alcohol, the effects of gambling are not always immediately visible—yet the consequences can be equally severe. Gambling may lead to significant debt, strained relationships, job loss, and many other issues. Disordered gambling can also have an impact on the individual’s mental health as well as their loved ones and family members.”
Other insights from the 2024 survey:
- Lottery participation was the most-reported gambling category, with 68.2% of respondents indicating they had played some form of a lottery in the past year (such as lottery tickets, pull tabs, or scratch tickets).
- Casino gambling is also popular, with 52.8% of Indiana adult respondents reporting having gambled at a casino in the past year.
- Sports gambling was more commonly reported by males (33.7%) than females (13%). Adults aged 55+ were also less likely to report gambling on sports (7.8%) than adults aged 18-34 (34.7%) or 35-54 (31%).
Prevention Insights plan to conduct this survey every other year to continue monitoring trends and informing policymakers.
End Matter/Disclaimers/Footnote
For this survey, Prevention Insights researchers surveyed a random sample of residents aged 18 and older across the state. Data collection occurred between October 2024 and December 2024, and responses were weighted to reflect the demographic composition of Indiana’s adult population.
The project is funded by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
For individuals seeking help, Indiana’s Problem Gambling Referral Line is available at 1-800-GAMBLER, or via online chat. Those experiencing mental health concerns can also access support by dialing 988.