A new Gallup poll shows a decline in self-reported gambling among U.S. adults, with traditional forms like lottery and casino play seeing the largest drops. The findings raise questions about changing attitudes and reporting habits
Recent polling from Gallup indicates that fewer American adults are reporting gambling activity compared to a decade ago, even as legal options and advertising have expanded. The latest data, collected through both telephone and online surveys in June and July 2026, suggest a notable decline in participation across nearly all gambling categories.
Gallup Poll Reveals Declining Participation
According to Gallup, 45% of adults surveyed by phone said they had gambled in at least one form over the previous 12 months, a significant decrease from 64% in 2016. The online survey, which polled 2,043 Gallup Panel members, showed a slightly higher participation rate at 53%. Both surveys used demographic weighting and reported a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points. The data reflect a broad trend: fewer Americans are acknowledging gambling activity, regardless of the survey method.
Traditional Gambling Methods Lose Ground
The largest declines were seen in established forms of gambling. In-person casino gambling dropped by 12 percentage points, and lottery ticket purchases fell by 18 points compared to 2016. Despite these declines, buying state lottery tickets and visiting casinos remain the most common gambling activities. In the 2026 phone survey, 31% reported buying a lottery ticket and 14% reported gambling at a casino; the online poll showed slightly higher rates at 38% and 19%, respectively. By contrast, only 7% of phone respondents reported betting on professional sports, and just 4% said they gambled for money online.
Online Gambling and New Market Options
Online gambling for money was the only category to see a slight increase since 2016, rising by one percentage point. This modest growth comes as more states have legalized and regulated online gambling, and as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) repeal has expanded legal sports betting. The 2026 survey also included new options such as betting on online prediction markets and playing fantasy sports for money, which drew 2% and 4% participation, respectively. However, the prediction market question was limited to non-athletic events, leaving out much of the activity on platforms like Kalshi that focus on sports event contracts.
Changing Attitudes and Reporting Habits
Gallup noted that online respondents were more likely to admit to gambling than those surveyed by phone, suggesting that people may be more comfortable disclosing gambling activity in a less personal format. The polling also found a decline in the percentage of Americans who consider gambling “morally acceptable,” dropping from 67% in 2016 to 57% in 2026. Increased visibility of gambling advertising, ongoing sports betting scandals, and heightened concerns about addiction may be influencing both actual participation and willingness to report gambling behavior. It remains unclear whether the decline in reported gambling reflects a real reduction in activity, increased reluctance to disclose, or a combination of both.
Understanding the difference between handle, revenue, and participation is essential in interpreting gambling market data. Handle refers to the total amount wagered, while revenue is what operators retain after payouts. Participation rates, as measured by surveys, reflect self-reported activity and can be influenced by social attitudes, legal changes, and survey methods. These distinctions are critical for regulators, operators, and policymakers assessing the true scope and impact of gambling in the U.S. market.
