Those at risk of or suffering from gambling addiction account for the lion’s share of gambling revenue, according to worrisome findings by Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services (DMHAS). The researchers found that the highest-risk segments of gamblers make up less than 7% of the state population yet account for over 70% of Connecticut gaming revenue. Although the study did not consider other states, this finding echoes similar observations made by researchers around the world.

The 205-page study, Impacts of Legalized Gambling in Connecticut, is the first mandated research on the social and economic impacts of legalized gambling released since the state authorized online casino gaming and sports betting in 2021.