Data: National Council on Problem Gambling and the Economist. Chart: Axios Visuals
Two charts are going up and to the right at the same time: States are raking in tax revenue from sports betting and online casinos, and calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline are on the rise.
Why it matters: The data points to a troubling trend — America’s gambling boom is driving more people into financial and emotional distress, with young men at the epicenter. But the industry continues to expand at breakneck speed, powered by aggressive marketing, state budget incentives and AI.
