UNLV Study Documents High Problem Gambling Rate Among Colorado Sports Bettors
A UNLV study found that 7% of Colorado sports bettors show signs of serious gambling problems, prompting calls for targeted interventions.Summary
A University of Nevada Las Vegas interim study found that 7% of Colorado sports bettors exhibit serious gambling problems, a rate lead researcher Shane Kraus described as "kind of high" and "concerning." The study surveyed 500 Colorado residents and found that 4% bet on sports. Colorado sports bettors wagered $6.4 billion in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, generating $47 million in state tax revenue. Lottery led gambling activities at 41.4%, followed by sports betting at 17.4%, slots and video poker at 16.2%, casino table games at 11.6%, and bingo at 11.4%. Additionally, 13.9% admitted to online gambling, which is illegal in Colorado, and 7.3% bought prediction market contracts. Problem gambling was 2% higher among women, with reasons still under examination. During the World Cup Final, 37.5% of participants watched part of the match, 59.4% saw sportsbook advertising, and 35.1% saw promotional offers, resulting in a 7.3% real-money bet rate. The research, funded by the Colorado Problem Gambling Coalition, calls for a research-action partnership among the Colorado Division of Gaming, researchers, treatment providers, individuals with lived experience, and community organizations. Proposed steps include identifying risk concentrations, testing interventions, building a shared evidence base, and issuing research-to-practice briefs. Kraus emphasized framing gambling as entertainment rather than a lifestyle. Final results are expected after the Super Bowl in February.
(Source：Sccg Management)