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| Statistics |  According to the statistics, incidence of problem gambling is 2-3% and of pathological gambling is 1% in the United States, though this may vary by country. By contrast, 86% of Americans have gambled in their lives and 60% gamble in a given year.
The research indicates that problem gambling is an internal tendency, and that problem gamblers will tend to risk money on whatever game is available—as opposed to the availability of a particular game inducing problem gambling in otherwise "normal" individuals. However, research also indicates that problem gamblers tend to risk money on fast-paced games. Thus, a problem gambler is much more likely to lose a lot of money on poker or slot machines, where rounds end quickly and there is a constant temptation to play again or increase bets, as opposed to a state lottery where the gambler must wait until the next drawing to see results. Researches have concluded that two out of three pathological gamblers commit illegal acts in order to pay gambling-related debts.
Studies have shown rates of suicide attempts among pathological gamblers from 17 to 24 percent. Patients with gambling problems believe their health is worse than those without disorders and may have more anxiety, depression and stress-related problems. Gambling problems are more prevalent among men, ethnic groups, and lower socio-economic groups. Gambling addicts are also more likely to smoke and abuse alcohol compared to non-problem gamblers.
Researches also show that teens are about three times more likely to become pathological gamblers than adults. This is the reverse of the case in most addictions, where the problem among adults is statistically more prevalent than among children and teens. Gamblers who have less money spend a larger percentage of their income on gaming activities. For this reason, early education about the dangers of gambling addiction and information on how to get help for the problem is vital for preventing the disease. Problem and pathological gamblers across age groups also use tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other drugs more often than other groups do.
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