A recent study by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) found that nearly 14 percent of Iowa gamblers are considered “at-risk” players. The report, titled Gambling Attitudes and Behaviors: A 2018 Survey of Adult Iowans, estimates more than 1.7 million people, or about three-fourths of the adult population within the state, have gambled at some point during the last 12 months. These numbers are up from a survey completed in 2015, which found 68.1 percent of Iowans had gambled in the last year with 12.6 percent of those individuals considered at-risk. The department defines at-risk as people who are experience some symptoms of problem gambling, such as: preoccupation with gambling, hiding gambling habits, increasingly larger bets, failed attempts to reduce the frequency of gambling, using gambling as an escape, committing crimes to finance betting, risking relationships, jobs, education or career opportunities due to gambling and relying on others to help with a financial situation cause by their gambling. A companion report from the University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavior Research estimated about nine percent of adult Iowans either bet on sports or played fantasy sports. Of this group, almost 23% were classified as at-risk gamblers, well above the overall at risk figure of 13.6 percent. For assistance with problem gambling or to view the full report, follow the links included with this story on our website.
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Gambling Attitudes and Behaviors: A 2018 Survey of Adult Iowans
