US gambling participation fell to 45% in 2026, with Gallup finding that fewer U.S. adults reported gambling during the previous 12 months than a decade earlier. The figure was down from 64% in 2016, while several major gambling categories also recorded substantial declines.
Gallup released the findings on August 17, 2026. The results came from combined telephone surveys conducted during June and July among more than 2,200 U.S. adults.
US Gambling Participation Falls From 64% to 45%
The headline finding shows a significant shift over the past decade.
In 2016, 64% of U.S. adults surveyed by Gallup reported participating in at least one form of gambling during the previous year. In 2026, that figure stood at 45%.
PlayUSA’s coverage of the Gallup survey reported that most major categories declined, with some of the largest changes appearing in lottery participation, in-person casino gambling and office sports pools.
The findings are based on telephone surveys conducted in June and July among more than 2,200 adults.
For players using online promotional gaming platforms, broad national participation statistics do not determine whether an individual is eligible to participate. Our sweepstakes casino eligibility guide explains several account, age and location checks players can review separately.
Which Gambling Categories Declined?
Traditional gambling activities accounted for several of the largest decreases compared with 2016.
| Gambling activity | 2016 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| State lottery participation | 49% | 31% |
| In-person casino gambling | 26% | 14% |
| Office sports pools | 15% | 7% |
State lottery participation fell 18 percentage points, from 49% in 2016 to 31% in 2026.
In-person casino gambling also declined substantially, moving from 26% to 14%.
Office sports pools fell from 15% to 7%.
Sports betting participation was lower as well. PlayUSA reported that 7% of adults said they had bet on professional sports, compared with 10% in 2016. College sports betting declined from 5% to 4%.
Online Gambling Bucked the US Gambling Participation Trend
Online gambling did not follow the same downward pattern.
PlayUSA reported that 4% of adults said they gambled online for money in 2026. Gallup described online gambling as the only measured category that did not decline over time.
Other newer forms of activity remained relatively limited in the findings. PlayUSA reported that 2% of respondents had participated in prediction markets involving non-athletic events, while 4% said they had played daily fantasy sports for money.
These figures should be viewed separately from sweepstakes-style promotional gaming, which may operate under different account, participation and promotional structures.
Players who decide to participate in gaming can also review our guide to setting a sweeps casino budget and time limits before beginning a session.
Survey Method Changes US Gambling Participation Estimate
Gallup also conducted a separate online survey, and the method produced a different participation estimate.
The online survey found that 53% of respondents reported gambling during the previous year, compared with the 45% recorded through the telephone surveys.
That represents an eight-percentage-point difference between the two survey methods.
Gallup said the gap may reflect differences in how respondents report gambling activity depending on survey format, including potentially lower willingness to disclose gambling activity during telephone interviews.
The results do not establish that one method provides an exact participation figure for every American. Instead, they show that reported gambling behavior can vary depending on how a survey is conducted.
Casino Reports’ coverage of the Gallup poll also highlighted the difference between the telephone and web results.
US Gambling Participation and Moral Acceptance Both Fell
Gallup also reported a decline in the share of Americans who considered gambling morally acceptable.
In 2026, 57% of respondents said gambling was morally acceptable, compared with 67% in 2016.
Participation and moral acceptance measure different subjects, so the figures do not establish that the decline in one caused the decline in the other.
They do, however, show that Gallup recorded lower numbers for both reported gambling participation and moral acceptance compared with a decade earlier.
What the US Gambling Participation Findings Show
The clearest finding is that US gambling participation reported in Gallup’s telephone survey declined substantially from 2016.
The results highlighted by PlayUSA and Casino Reports show:
- Overall reported participation fell from 64% in 2016 to 45% in 2026.
- State lottery participation fell from 49% to 31%.
- In-person casino gambling fell from 26% to 14%.
- Office sports pools fell from 15% to 7%.
- Professional sports betting fell from 10% to 7%.
- College sports betting fell from 5% to 4%.
- Online gambling stood at 4% and was the only measured category that did not decline over time.
- Gallup’s separate online survey produced a higher 53% participation estimate.
- Moral acceptance of gambling fell from 67% in 2016 to 57% in 2026.
The difference between phone and web responses adds important context when interpreting the headline 45% figure.
What US Gambling Participation Trends Mean for Players
National participation figures show broad trends rather than the requirements of an individual gaming platform.
Players should still review the rules that apply to a particular service, including account requirements, location restrictions and promotional terms before participating.
If you are comparing online sweepstakes-style options, our guide to choosing a sweepstakes casino platform covers factors to review before getting started.
Gaming should be treated as entertainment rather than a reliable source of income. No game, purchase or playing method guarantees winnings, a prize or successful redemption.
Explore Sweepstakes Games With GameSweeps
Interested in exploring sweepstakes-style games? Visit GameSweeps to review available gaming options and learn more before getting started.
Always review eligibility requirements, promotional terms and the rules that apply to your location.
Disclaimer: For adults 18+ only. No purchase necessary where applicable. Void where prohibited. Participation and platform availability depend on applicable rules, location and individual platform requirements.