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What is the Estimated Prevalence of Gambling Problems Among Adults in the United States?

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW

November 3, 2025

Question

What is the estimated prevalence of gambling problems among adults in the United States?

Answer

It is estimated that approximately 1 to 3% of the adult population in the United States has a problem with gambling, which translates to over 5 million individuals. This high prevalence is concerning because many of these individuals are not seeking help through hotlines or treatment programs, leading to increased risk of hopelessness and ongoing suffering. Additionally, the lack of awareness about gambling problems further exacerbates the issue, as both those affected and those around them may not recognize the need for intervention or support.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, 'Introduction to Gambling Disorder,' presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW.


heather moshier

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW

Heather is a certified drug and alcohol and gambling counselor, EMDR therapist, and conducts pet-assisted therapy. She has two decades of experience working in various levels of care, including residential and outpatient services. Heather specializes in working with individuals dealing with trauma, grief, substance abuse, gambling and gaming addiction, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety. Additionally, she has training in cross-cultural therapy and has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, specifically working with minority clients leaving the criminal justice system. Heather is a therapist who understands that treating the whole person is essential to the healing process and working on ways of living forward.


Related Courses

Advanced Techniques in EMDR: Mastering Bilateral Stimulation
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
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Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #1820Level: Intermediate1.03 Hours
  'Great training'   Read Reviews
This course is designed for clinicians who want more in-depth knowledge of EMDR. This course explores bilateral stimulation in EMDR and bilateral stimulation techniques and provides a basic foundation of phases 3 and 4 in EMDR.

Clinical Considerations for Gambling Disorder: Screening, Comorbidity, and Evidence-based Tools
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This course explores the unique clinical considerations and comorbidity of individuals with substance use and mental illness, and the rate of problem gambling and gambling disorder. In addition, participants learn evidence-based tools used to screen for gambling problem behavior and the impact of each tool.

Evidence-Based Screening for Gambling Disorder: Selection, Dialogue, and Clinical Application
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
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Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #2195Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Very practical for professionals that don’t deal with gambling as a regular problem'   Read Reviews
This course equips mental health professionals with the skills to effectively choose evidence-based screening for problem gambling and gambling disorder. Participants will review validated tools, their strengths, limitations, administration considerations, and cut scores. Participants will also learn skills to initiate nonjudgmental conversations, interpret results, and integrate screenings into assessment and referral pathways.

Introduction to Gambling Disorder
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Video

Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #1693Level: Introductory1.05 Hours
  'Presenter presented the information in a very clear fashion'   Read Reviews
This webinar explores the history of gambling addiction and treatment, tools for screening and assessment, and high-risk populations. In addition, clinical interventions targeted at treating gambling disorders are introduced.

What is EMDR?
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
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Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #1709Level: Introductory1.02 Hours
  'She was very knowledgeable'   Read Reviews
EMDR Therapy is an evidence-based treatment option. This course explores EMDR Therapy and offers insight and education on the AIP model, theory, and components of EMDR therapy. In addition, this course will explore clinical implications. This course is designed for therapists who are not trained in EMDR Therapy.