Massachusetts residents love to gamble. It’s been proven with the opening of our local casinos (MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park, Encore Boston Harbor). It has also been proven with the most recent approval of online sports betting which just became legal March 10th. According to data provided by Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the three local sportsbooks generated $2 million in revenue for the state in its first month. In regards to the local casinos, in the month of December, they generated $103 million for the state of Massachusetts. Does this make Massachusetts a gambling addicted state however? Statistics aren’t exactly adding up.
Did you know that gambling addiction is an actual medical condition? It effects 1-3 percent of Americans and it’s in the same category as alcohol or drug addiction. In case that didn’t make you feel any better, how about these statistics. The average gambling addicted man builds up an average of debt between $55,000 and $90,000 and the average gambling addicted female rakes up around $15,000 in debt. This is according to Wallet Hub who did a study on the most gambling addicted states. Where Massachusetts lands on this list however, may surprise you.
How did Wallet Hub come up with its findings? They used 20 key metric ranges to determine where gambling is the most prevalent in each state. Lottery sales was included in the study as well as illegal gambling operations as well as the number of adults with gambling disorders. With the addition of Encore Boston Harbor and with online sports betting now being legal, you would think Massachusetts would be in the top 10 on this list. Believe it or not, it is NOT. Now, Massachusetts is not in the bottom 10 either. Below, we’ll fill you in on where Massachusetts lands. Thank you to Wallet Hub for this study and thank you Massachusetts for not breaking the bank gambling…yet. (Keep scrolling…Massachusetts will be mentioned LAST)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 01: Socially-distanced slot machines are shown with every other game out of service at Bellagio Resort & Casino as the Las Vegas Strip property prepares to reopen on June 1, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The resort has been closed since March 17 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Hotel-casinos throughout the state will be able to reopen on June 4 as part of a phased reopening of the economy with social distancing guidelines and other restrictions in place. MGM Resorts International plans to reopen Bellagio, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and The Signature on Thursday. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
