Arizona’s problem gambling agency says about one in five adults experienced some level of gambling-related harm, while roughly 4% of adults age 21 and older may meet the criteria for gambling disorder.
According to the division’s July 20 release and summary report, the findings came from a December 2025 survey of 1,047 residents. The survey was designed as a three-year follow-up to the FY2022-23 study, using a probability-based panel approach to track changes in participation, harm and awareness of services.
Overall gambling participation held steady at 84% over the past year. But more frequent play increased: the share gambling weekly or more rose from 25% to 30%, sports wagering participation was up 22% from FY2022-23, 22% reported online or app-based sports wagering, and cryptocurrency-related gambling activities rose 21%.
Risk was not spread evenly. The summary report said higher risk was concentrated among younger adults, people who gamble more often, and those involved in sports betting or multiple forms of gambling, especially online and app-based activity. It also said about 18% fell into the moderate- to high-risk category on the Problem Gambling Severity Index.
Awareness of support improved. Forty-eight percent of respondents knew about 1-800-NEXT-STEP, up from 40% three years earlier, while 45% said they knew how to access help for someone with a gambling problem and 43% believed treatment services were available in their communities. The helpline can also be reached by texting NEXTSTEP to 53342, and it is staffed by master’s-level counselors who offer 24/7 support and referrals.
The report also pointed to a gap in routine health care. Only 7.6% said a clinician asked about gambling at their most recent general health screening, compared with 55.4% screened for mental health concerns and 47% for alcohol or substance use. The press release said gambling-related harm was strongly associated with mental health conditions, substance use and other behavioral concerns, and Elise Mikkelsen, the division director, said the gap creates an opportunity for early intervention.
Sixty-four percent of respondents said it is important for Arizona to lead efforts to reduce gambling harm. In June, the Arizona Department of Gaming announced a 20% increase in problem gambling expenditure authority, which the division said will give it more flexibility to expand prevention, education, treatment and recovery initiatives across the state.
