UNLV Study Documents High Problem Gambling Rate Among Colorado Sports Bettors

Early data from University of Nevada Las Vegas researchers shows that a “high number” of sports bettors in Colorado exhibited signs of serious gambling problems. The interim study surveyed 500 random residents, determining that 7% of those gamblers reported serious problems. Colorado sports bettors wagered $6.4 billion in the 2025-2026 fiscal year and generated $47 million in state tax revenue.

Shane Kraus, UNLV psychology professor and lead researcher, described the prevalence rate as “kind of high” and “concerning.” Kraus said Colorado now has a benchmark in terms of problem gambling, adding that “we have to lower it.” Problem gambling registered 2% higher among women, with researchers still examining the reasons.

Key Data Points From the Colorado Survey

Lottery led gambling activities at 41.4%, sports betting followed at 17.4%, slots and video poker stood at 16.2%, casino table games at 11.6%, and bingo at 11.4%. 13.9% of participants admitted to online gambling, illegal in Colorado, while 7.3% bought prediction market contracts. The study also sampled 1,400 gamblers and non-gamblers nationwide. Interim results arrived after the World Cup, with final data set for release after the Super Bowl in February. 37.5% of participants watched part of the World Cup Final; 59.4% saw sportsbook advertising and 35.1% saw promotional offers, producing a 7.3% real-money bet rate on the match.

The Path to Lowering Problem Gambling Rates

Kraus stated that “Not everyone has a problem with gambling. The small percentage who do aren’t doing great and those are the ones we worry about.” The research, funded by the Colorado Problem Gambling Coalition, calls for a research-action partnership among the Colorado Division of Gaming, researchers, treatment providers, individuals with lived experience, and community organizations. Proposed steps include identifying where risk concentrates, testing interventions before scaling, building a shared evidence base, translating findings quickly, and issuing research-to-practice briefs. Kraus added that everyone must frame gambling as entertainment rather than a lifestyle and that advertising impacts require closer scrutiny. The study supplies an initial evidence base but leaves open questions on why certain demographics and ad exposures produce elevated risks.

Reporting: CDC Gaming

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