7% of Colorado Gamblers Face Serious Problems, UNLV Study Reveals

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-13

### What the UNLV Study Found A new study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is raising eyebrows in Colorado. Preliminary findings suggest that 7% of surveyed gamblers in the state experience serious gambling problems. That's a pretty big number, and it's got people talking about consumer risks in Colorado's regulated betting market. The research was led by Shane Kraus, a psychology professor at UNLV. His team randomly selected 500 Colorado residents—both gamblers and non-gamblers—to get a snapshot of gambling behavior in the state. ### The Numbers Behind the Headlines Early results show that 4% of those surveyed actually participated in gambling. But here's where it gets interesting: the problem gambling rate was two percentage points higher among women than men. That's a notable gender gap, and researchers aren't sure yet why it exists. - 7% of gamblers reported serious gambling problems - 4% of all respondents said they gambled - Women had a problem gambling rate 2 percentage points higher than men - 500 Colorado residents were surveyed in total ### Why This Matters for Colorado Colorado has a regulated betting market, which means the state has a responsibility to protect consumers. When 7% of gamblers are struggling, that's not just a statistic—it's a warning sign. Problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, strained relationships, and mental health issues. The study is still in its early stages, and researchers haven't determined the reasons behind these numbers yet. But the findings are already sparking conversations about what more can be done to help those at risk. ### What Comes Next? Kraus and his team plan to dig deeper into the data to understand the underlying causes. For now, the preliminary results serve as a wake-up call. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are resources available. The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) is a good place to start. As Colorado's betting market continues to grow, studies like this one will be crucial for shaping policies that keep people safe. It's not about stopping gambling—it's about making sure it doesn't stop you.