4 States Decreased Funding For Gambling Treatment Between 2023-2024

And the honor goes to OK, MD, MN and DC

Data from 2023 Budget Update of Publicly Funded Problem Gambling Services in the United States. The report is full of surprising information like half of all states did not use their allocated budgets.

Key Findings:

• Significant Increase in Funding: In 2023, publicly funded problem gambling services across the U.S. saw a 28% increase in allocations compared to 2022, marking the largest single-year growth since 2006. This surge was primarily driven by substantial funding increases in states like Massachusetts, New York, and Tennessee.

• State Participation: Out of all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, 43 reported having publicly funded problem gambling programs in 2023. Notably, eight states—Alaska, Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Utah, and Texas—did not allocate funds for such services.

• Top Funders: Massachusetts led with an allocation of $22.6 million, followed by Illinois ($10 million) and New York ($9.6 million). The average state allocation was $3.1 million, with a median of $1.2 million.

• Drivers of Funding Increases: States that legalized or expanded sports betting, such as Tennessee, New York, and Massachusetts, directed new tax revenues toward problem gambling services. For instance, New York's allocation increased by 168% due to legislation mandating $6 million annually from mobile sports wagering revenues for treatment and education.

• Expenditure Rates: While 98% of states reported their 2023 expenditures, nearly half did not fully utilize their allocated budgets. This represents an improvement from the previous year, where 59% of states left funds unspent.