Montana’s Ranking When It Comes To Gambling Addiction

Gambling can be fun for some people. For others it can be a problem and an addiction. Montana is a state that offers lot of opportunities for people to gamble. You may actually be shocked to find out how many gaming machines we actually have in Montana.

When it comes to gambling addiction, Montana ranks as one of the most addicted states in the country. This is according to a 2024 WalletHub study. According to the study, the gambling industry made $66.5 billion last year, yet "U.S. consumers experience over $100 billion per year in gambling losses annually."

Montana Ranks in the Top 5 for Most "Gambling Addicted" States

Montana ranks in the top 5 of "Most Gambling Addicted States" coming in at number 3 behind Nevada and South Dakota in 2024. There are a few reasons why Montana ranks so high. One of them being that Montana, per capita, is tied for first with the most gaming machines in the country. We are tied with Nevada, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

Montana allows sports betting, horse race betting and there are gaming machines in retail and convenience stores. According to the report Montana doesn't "require businesses to train their employees on disordered and problem gambling".

Montana Isn't One of the Luckiest States For State Lotteries

When it comes to the state lottery and major jackpots, Montana is considered one of the unluckiest states in the nation.

Read More: Here's Why Montana Is the Unluckiest State In Lottery History 

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling with a gambling problem, there is the National Problem Gambling Helpline that is available in Montana at 1-800-GAMBLER. There is someone available 24 hours a day seven days a week to help.