What does NGAGE 3.0 tell us about problem gambling?
Key Takeaways from the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences 3.0
The National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) 2024 National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE 3.0) offers an important snapshot of current gambling behaviors, risk factors, and public awareness in the United States. The Bermuda Problem Gaming Council is currently a member of the NCPG. Conducted in April 2024, the survey reveals that risky gambling behaviors have largely receded to pre-pandemic levels, reversing the spike observed in 2021 during the rapid expansion of sports betting. While this decline is encouraging, the survey underscores that gambling-related harm remains a significant public health concern. Approximately eight percent of U.S. adults—representing about 20 million people—reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling “many times” in the past year.
The survey identifies several predictors of problematic gambling. High-risk behaviors include engaging in multiple types of gambling, gambling weekly or more often, believing that gambling is a good way to make money, and participating in online gambling, sports betting, or fantasy sports. Demographically, men and individuals under the age of 35 are more likely to be at risk. While the overall percentage of sports bettors has not increased despite broader legalization, the nature of their wagers has shifted significantly. The proportion of sports bettors placing parlays—bets that combine multiple wagers—has nearly doubled, from 17 percent in 2018 to 30 percent in 2024.
In terms of gambling formats, most activities have returned to 2018 participation levels, but online gambling remains elevated. This persistence highlights the ongoing influence of digital platforms, which may present unique risks due to ease of access and constant availability. Ultimately, NGAGE 3.0 presents a mixed picture. On one hand, there is progress in lowering overall risky behavior and improving helpline visibility. On the other, persistent risk factors, the rise of certain betting types, and lingering misconceptions about gambling addiction highlight the ongoing need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
What does this mean for understanding problem gaming in Bermuda? Sports betting in the United States since Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association and reached a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given Bermuda’s proximity to the United States and the global nature of COVID-19, the expansion of sports betting has an impact on Bermudian gamblers. This is especially true for emerging adults who came of age during the pandemic years. Presenting at the NCPG 2025 conference, Dr. Lia Nower of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University highlights research on emerging adults in New Jersey. Overall, a significant proportion of emerging adults, including those underage, are gambling online and in mixed venues, which raises the risk for developing serious gambling problems. About three times as many emerging adults, compared to all others who gambled, endorsed multiple problem gambling symptoms, which correspond to clinical criteria of gambling disorder. From a policy perspective, this calls for special attention to young adults when monitoring online behavior.