Kentucky is a gambling state. Residents participate in four major forms of legal gambling—the lottery, parimutuel wagering, sports betting, and charitable gaming. Each year, Kentuckians spend over $20 billion on legal gambling alone, with even more flowing into unregulated and potentially illegal activities. These industries generate more than $400 million for the state through taxes, fees, and other payments.
Gambling is also widespread among individuals. A statewide survey conducted for the National Council on Problem Gambling found that 78% of Kentucky adults—more than 2.5 million people—gambled within the past year. Youth gambling is also common: a Kentucky Incentives for Prevention (KIP) survey reported that over 26% of high school seniors have gambled, and nearly 2% of surveyed students said gambling caused financial, family, school, or personal problems—key indicators of gambling disorder.
Analysis of gambling surveys and statistics reveal:
- Up to 166,000 Kentucky adults with disordered gambling traits.
- Up to 16,000 Kentucky college students with disordered gambling.
- Up to 15,759 prison/probation/parole adults with disordered gambling.
Research also indicates that gambling problems often occur alongside other challenges:
- 33% of people with disordered gambling committed robbery.
- 13% of those with disordered gambling commit assault on individuals to get money.
- Up to 75% of those with disordered gambling suffer from alcohol disorder.
- Up to 50% of those with disordered gambling identify with mood disorder.
- Up to 35% of those with disordered gambling suffer from PTSD.
- Up to 25% of those with disordered gambling considered or attempted suicide.
These findings illustrate the scope of gambling participation in Kentucky and highlight the range of impacts associated with problem and disordered gambling.