The National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE) 1.0, conducted in 2018, provides crucial baseline data on U.S. gambling habits before the widespread legalization of sports betting. This comprehensive study was conducted when legal sports betting was limited to Nevada and New Jersey.

Key Findings:

• Gambling is widely popular in America, with most participants engaging in multiple betting activities (average: 3 different types)
• Legal restrictions have minimal impact on gambling participation
• Lottery is the most common form, with 66% of respondents reporting purchases in the past year
• Young adults and sports bettors show higher risk for gambling problems
• Most gamblers report no negative consequences
• Significant public misunderstanding and stigma around problem gambling exists

The study provides detailed analysis through multiple tools:

• National Trends Dashboard: Tracks overall gambling patterns and behaviors
• State Trends Dashboard: Offers interactive state-level data on participation, problematic play, and attitudes
• State Detailed Reports: Provides comprehensive state-specific analyses for addiction treatment professionals

Research Methodology: NCPG partnered with Ipsos to conduct this nationwide consumer study, representing the first major national gambling research since the 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission.

Policy Implications: The study emphasizes the need for collaborative effort between governments, the gambling industry, and service providers to implement harm-reduction policies during this unprecedented gambling expansion period.

Note: NCPG operates independently without federal or state funding, relying on membership and donations to support their mission of addressing problem gambling.

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