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Texas ranks 14th among most gambling-addicted states, study finds

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Texas ranks 14th among most gambling-addicted states, study finds

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While gambling isn’t legal in Texas, Texans find ways to enjoy the activity. 

Some play the Texas Lottery or buy scratch-off tickets, and others drive to nearby states like New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Louisiana.  

But for a state that doesn’t have legal gambling, there seems to be a gambling habit. According to WalletHub, Texas is ranked in the top 20 most gambling-addicted states. 

A look at gambling addiction in Texas

Texas is ranked 14th among the states with the highest gambling addiction rates, with an overall score of 44.38. Some of the statistics included a gambling friendliness rank in which Texas ranked 28th and a gambling problem and treatment rank in which the Lone Star State came in fifth. 

The five most gambling-addicted states are: 

  1. Nevada
  2. South Dakota
  3. Montana
  4. Louisiana
  5. Pennsylvania

What is gambling disorder?

Compulsive gambling is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your professional and personal life.

According to Yale Medicine, excessive gambling can drain finances, ruin personal and professional relationships, and harm the gambler’s mental health. Gambling disorder affects about 1% of Americans.

A gambler’s behavior isn’t just taking trips to a casino. With access to online poker matches, sports betting, and arguably daily fantasy sports leagues, these can contribute to the disorder. 

How is gambling disorder diagnosed?

The American Psychiatric Association says a gambling disorder requires at least four of the following in a year span: 

  • Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.
  • Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
  • Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.
  • Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling).
  • Often gambling when feeling distressed.
  • After losing money gambling, often returning to get even. 
  • Lying to hide gambling activity.
  • Risking or losing a close relationship, a job, or a school or job opportunity because of gambling.
  • Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling. 

What are the treatment options for gambling disorder?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently doesn’t approve any medications to help treat gambling disorders. However, several types of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help. 

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