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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

Clinical Considerations for Gambling Disorder: Screening, Comorbidity, and Evidence-based Tools
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Video

Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #2617Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Due to the new amount of casinos being built, this information is useful as we have begun to see an influx of clients with gambling challenges'   Read Reviews
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
Video

Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #2625Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'This presentation was very helpful in learning about gambling treatment and tools'   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.

Substance Use & Recovery in the Military and Veterans
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Video

Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #1346Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great information, did not like that the instructor taught to the exam, read from the slides and repeated same lines of text for emphasis, just personal preference'   Read Reviews
We know that individuals impacted by substance use disorder can recover, yet subpopulations may experience greater difficulties than their counterparts. This webinar provides an overview of the connection of SUD in the Military and Veterans and helps professionals understand tenants and pathways to recovery for this population, and identifies why purpose is needed in recovery.

Brief Intervention/Referral in Problem Gambling and Gambling Disorder
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Live WebinarWed, Apr 8, 2026 at 11:00 am EDT
Wed, Apr 8, 2026 at 11:00 am EDT

Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #2635Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course equips mental health professionals with an understanding of what constitutes problem gambling/gambling disorder, and the basic principles of a system of gambling treatment. Participants explore the importance of internal and external messaging, the delivery of the screening results, and evidence-based interventions. In addition, participants are introduced to a foundation of collaborative care strategies and learn how to effectively utilize these strategies in conjunction with the interdisciplinary care team and ancillary services.

EMDR Therapy: Preparing Clients for a Referral
Presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Video

Presenter

Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
Course: #1366Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Felt like a great into course - I feel Iike I could now safely and appropriately referral a client for EMDR'   Read Reviews
This course is designed for therapists who are not trained in EMDR Therapy. Participants will improve their knowledge of EMDR therapy and learn how to prepare their clients for participation in EMDR Therapy with a trained clinician. In addition, participants will learn grounding techniques to implement with their clients.