How prevalent is gambling in Kentucky? Here’s the industry by the numbers
More than $3.6 billion: Amount spent on online sports wagering in Kentucky so far, according to the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corp.
78%: Kentucky adults who said they gambled over the previous year.
26%: Kentucky high school seniors who said they have gambled for money or possessions.
47,020-64,435: Estimated number of Kentucky adults with gambling addiction.
9,221-15,816: Estimated Kentucky college students with gambling addiction.
3,240: Calls, texts and chats to 1-800-GAMBLER, the Kentucky gambling helpline, in 2024.
$500 million: Estimated societal costs in Kentucky social services, unemployment insurance, lost wages and productivity, bankruptcy and criminal justice as a result of gambling addiction.
Source: Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 7:58 AM.
