Canada

The states with the best support for problem gambling have been revealed

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2022

GamingAmericas.com

Nevada, the best state for gambling in America, takes first place as the state with the best help for gambling addictions
Oregon comes in second place, with the second-highest spending on problem gambling treatment per capita
Louisiana, one of the most well-known gambling states, comes in seventh place

Nevada has the best support for problem gambling in America, new research has revealed.

Online gambling experts, CasinoGrounds, investigated which states have the best support for problem gambling and gambling addiction in America. States received a score out of 10 for factors based the popularity of gambling and presence of problem gambling in the state, the number of treatment facilities, and the amount of funding each state has towards supporting gambling addictions.

Nevada, the top gambling state in America, has also been revealed to be the best state for supporting problem gambling. Thanks to Las Vegas, the state is infamous for its gambling opportunities, but the data shows that it has the best support for those suffering from gambling addiction. The state has the country’s fifth-highest percentage of people suffering with a gambling problem, at 2.7%, but also provides the most treatment facilities of any state. With 123 gamblers’ anonymous meetings available throughout the state per week and state affiliate associations to the NCPG and state-specific agencies, Nevada has the best support for problem gambling.

The second best state for supporting gambling addiction is Oregon. Another popular state for gambling due to the wide variety of legal games available, Oregon comes in sixth place for the presence of problem gambling – of the total adult population, 2.6% are believed to suffer from a gambling addiction. The state has the second-highest spending on treating problem gambling, at $1.41 per capita. The state also has both state affiliations to the NCPG and state-specific agencies, providing the widest variety of support to Oregon residents.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Coming in third place is Connecticut. The state has one of the lowest percentages of problem gambling in America, at 1.1% of the adult population, coming second to Michigan. Once again, the state has both state affiliations and specific agencies providing support. Connecticut ranks fourth on access to gambling addiction treatment facilities, with 64 locations throughout the state. When it comes to spending on problem gambling, Connecticut comes sixth, at $0.90 per capita.

In fourth place is Michigan, boasting the lowest incidence of problem gambling in America at 0.5%. This could be the reason why the state ranks low on facilities and spending on treatment of gambling addiction, ranking 21st on facilities, and spending only $0.23 per capita.

Closing out the top five is Massachusetts, where 1.7% of the adult population reportedly suffer with a gambling addiction, with the state spending a total of $6.8 million on support and treatment, equating to $0.98 per capita. Massachusetts comes in fifth place for treatment facilities, with 41 weekly Gambling Anonymous meetings throughout the state and 107 facilities for treatment.

At the other end of the scale, the states that provide the least support for problem gambling include Hawaii, Utah, and Alaska, all of which have a legal ban on gambling, explaining why there is little support in the state. However, Idaho and Arkansas, coming 48th and 49th respectively, both rank poorly due to the lack of spending on treatment for problem gambling and the lack of facilities available.

The states providing the best support for problem gambling:

State	Best support for problem gambling	% of population suffering with problem gambling	Spending on problem gambling treatment per capita ($)	Problem gambling treatment facilities ranking
Nevada	1	2.7%	0.56	1
Oregon	2	2.6%	1.41	6
Connecticut	3	1.1%	0.90	4
Michigan	4	0.5%	0.23	21
Massachusetts	5	1.7%	0.98	5
Delaware	6	1.4%	1.44	34
Louisiana	7	1.3%	0.61	10
Nebraska	8	2.2%	0.88	22
Ohio	9	1.4%	0.55	16
Maryland	10	1.9%	0.62	12
Missouri	11	2.2%	0.04	39
North Dakota	12	1.5%	1.05	35
New York	13	1.2%	0.15	9
Iowa	14	1.2%	0.99	36
Arizona	15	1.6%	0.28	7
Pennsylvania	16	2.2%	0.51	17
New Jersey	17	2.8%	0.30	3
Rhode Island	18	2.2%	0.14	2
Indiana	19	1.2%	0.16	20
Florida	20	1.1%	0.12	24
Wisconsin	21	1.3%	0.08	11
South Dakota	22	1.4%	0.20	19
Washington	23	2.1%	0.21	8
Minnesota	24	3.6%	0.40	13
Oklahoma	25	2.2%	0.28	14
California	26	1.9%	0.22	18
Kentucky	27	1.1%	0.02	27
Kansas	28	2.8%	0.31	25
Illinois	29	2.2%	0.09	15
Georgia	30	1.4%	0.04	29
West Virginia	31	2.2%	0.83	38
North Carolina	32	2.2%	0.10	30
Colorado	33	2.4%	0.04	23
New Mexico	34	1.2%	0.41	37
Mississippi	35	3.9%	0.09	26
Virginia	36	2.2%	0.00	31
Texas	37	2.2%	0.00	32
Montana	38	2.5%	0.04	33
Washington	39	0.0%	0.00	28
Vermont	40	2.2%	0.32	42
Alabama	41	2.2%	0.01	44
Maine	42	2.2%	0.07	40
New Hampshire	43	2.2%	0.02	41
Tennessee	44	2.2%	0.03	45
South Carolina	45	2.2%	0.01	43
Wyoming	46	2.2%	0.05	46
Hawaii	47	2.2%	0.00	47
Idaho	48	2.2%	0.00	48
Arkansas	49	2.2%	0.00	49
Utah	50	2.2%	0.00	50
Alaska	51	2.2%	0.00	51

A spokesperson for CasinoGrounds commented on the findings:

“Gambling addiction is a very serious and often dangerous issue that can affect millions of individuals. It is interesting to see how much support is available across the United States to support those suffering and help people on the road to recovery. Nevada is one of the most well-known states for gambling, so it is promising to see the state coming out on top providing the most support to residents. Gambling addiction is a very serious problem everyone should seek the support they need to avoid taking gambling beyond a healthy level.”

The research was carried out by CasinoGrounds.com, the leading online gambling community, which promotes safe and responsible practice and discussions around gambling.

Canada

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration

Published

5 hours ago

July 8, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

hard-rock-hotel-&-casino-ottawa-opens-with-legendary-guitar-smash-and-star-studded-celebration

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened its doors with a signature guitar smash, marking the arrival of Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, a bold new destination where entertainment, hospitality, and music take center stage.

The $350 million resort brings the brand’s unmistakable energy to Canada’s capital, offering locals and visitors an immersive Hard Rock experience blending iconic music history with world-class entertainment, hospitality, dining, and gaming.

In true Hard Rock fashion, the opening festivities kicked off with the Canadian Tenors’ electrifying rendition of O Canada followed by the brand’s signature Guitar Smash, a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders took the stage to ceremoniously smash guitars, signaling the official opening of the state-of-the-art entertainment destination.

A special moment included the presentation of a $100,000 donation to Ottawa Food Bank, reinforcing Hard Rock’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

“Bringing Hard Rock to Canada’s capital is an iconic milestone for our brand. We’re proud to expand our global footprint and create a destination where locals and visitors can experience world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment all in one place,” said Jim Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International.

“Our government is thrilled that Hard Rock chose Ontario for its first fully integrated hotel and casino venue in Canada. This new entertainment and hospitality destination will draw visitors from near and far to Ottawa, create and sustain hundreds of local jobs, and provide millions of dollars for local infrastructure and community programs,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

The post Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

AGCO

MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition

Published

5 hours ago

July 8, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

mixi-receives-agco-approval-for-pointsbet-acquisition

PointsBet Holdings Limited announced that MIXI has received written confirmation that AGCO has no concerns with the proposed acquisition by MIXI of the shares in PointsBet Holdings Limited.

PointsBet has also received written confirmation from iGaming Ontario (iGO) in relation to MIXI’s proposed acquisition of shares in PointsBet.

Accordingly, the condition precedent to MIXI’s proposed PointsBet-Board recommended Takeover Bid relating to Ontario approvals in paragraph 4.5 of Schedule 1 of the Bid Implementation Deed dated 16 June 2025 (BID) has been satisfied.

MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid remains subject to the satisfaction of certain other limited conditions as previously announced, including a 50.1% minimum acceptance of the proposed MIXI Offer (as defined in the BID).

The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission provided its approval on 24 March 2025 for MIXI to acquire PointsBet. PointsBet confirmed that MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid is no longer subject to any gaming regulatory approvals.

The post MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

AGCO

AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

Published

1 week ago

June 30, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

agco-fines-great-canadian-casino-resort-toronto-$350,000-for-serious-regulatory-violations-linked-to-impromptu-after-party-on-gaming-floor

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casino’s gaming floor.

On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.

In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.

As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.

Based on the findings of its review, the AGCO’s Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.

A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.

“Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.

The post AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.