Which Types of Gambling are Most Addictive? Slots, Sports Betting, Table Games, Lottery
Published:
Jun 23, 2025
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11:44 a.m.
ET
Key Points:
Electronic Gambling Machines, including slot machines, are consistently shown to be the most addictive form of gambling due to high participation and rapid play cycles.
Online Sports Betting is rising fast, especially among young adults, who often develop gambling problems more quickly than slot machine gamblers, who tend to be older.
Casino Table Games are risky at an individual level but have a lower overall impact than slots due to less frequent play.
Traditional lotteries are the most popular form of gambling globally but pose the lowest risk of addiction, relatively.
The online nature of new gambling products necessitates new research to explore their addictive nature with always-on accessibility.
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Research has shown that some forms of gambling are more likely to lead to harmful, compulsive behaviors than others. Studies comparing different gambling types consistently find that electronic gambling machines (like slot machines) and online sports betting pose the greatest risk for developing a gambling disorder, while others like lotteries tend to be relatively less problematic for most players (but still can be very addictive for some).
Curious how researchers rank these risks and why certain games are so addictive? Below, we break down what the extensive research says, explore the most addictive forms of gambling and explain what makes them addictive.
The most addictive forms of gambling
#1 - Slot Machines + other Electronic Gambling Machines
Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs), such as slot machines and video poker, are the leading cause of gambling problems in many countries. In Australia, EGMs alone account for 51–57% of gambling-related issues. These machines are everywhere, found not only in casinos but in clubs and local venues, making them highly accessible.
Slots are designed to maximize player engagement, offering rapid, repetitive betting opportunities, flashing lights, immersive sounds and instant rewards or losses. Factors like the thrill of winning, chasing losses and seeking positive emotions help keep players hooked. While many slots players hold superstitious beliefs about winning, the illusion of control is less relevant than previously thought.
The combination of high risk, high availability and frequent play means slots have an outsized impact on gambling harm. Calls to regulate their addictive features often face pushback, as these machines also provide significant revenue for governments and gambling operators.
#2A - Online Sports Betting
Online Sports Betting has exploded in popularity, especially among young adults. This form of gambling is now the most common online gambling disorder among youth. Several factors drive its risk.
Accessibility is one factor. Bettors can place wagers anytime, anywhere via smartphones and laptops. Motivation is another. Many bet to make money, socialize or elevate the stakes of watching sports. And demographics is a third factor. A study comparing online sports bettors and slot players found the former are more likely to be younger, highly educated and spend larger weekly sums. Problem gambling often appears within five years, faster than other gambling types.
#2B - Casino Table Games
While slot machines and online sports betting often grab headlines, casino table games like blackjack, poker and roulette carry significant risks too. They are designed to encourage repeated play and large bets, creating a high-risk environment.
Casino table games don’t contribute as heavily to population-level gambling problems because fewer people play them compared to EGMs. But for those who do, the risk is comparable, due to high excitement, social interaction and the chance of big wins or losses can feed a cycle of chasing losses and risky bets.
The recent introduction of online casinos has also heightened risk, though additional research is needed to properly measure its impacts regarding gambling addiction.
#3 - Lottery
Surprisingly, the lottery, despite being the world’s most popular form of gambling, is considered the least risky for addiction. (NOTE: This does NOT mean it is safe or that there is no risk of addiction. This is all relative, but all forms of gambling can be addictive.) Studies consistently show that lotteries and similar “soft” gambling activities, like bingo, pose relatively lower risk of developing gambling problems.
One reason is structural: lottery tickets have historically been purchased infrequently, often with low stakes, with results drawn days or weeks later, far from the rapid, repetitive nature of slots or online bets. However, instant-win scratch-off games are different and can be purchased frequently en masse with immediate results after scratching. Exclusive lottery players show significantly lower rates of gambling disorders compared to those who gamble on other forms.
The recent advent of online lottery couriers, which allow players to purchase tickets online without the need to travel anywhere, are also worth monitoring as research evolves. Removing the traditional friction of in-person buying could impact problem gambling rates.
However, because lotteries are so widely played, they remain an important part of the gambling landscape. While the individual risk is relatively low, broad participation means they still contribute to some gambling-related harm.
Connect with Birches Health by clicking here, calling 833-483-3838 or emailing help@bircheshealth.com
Limitations of research, need for new studies
While evidence points strongly to slots and online sports betting as the biggest addiction risks, new products demand new research. The gambling landscape has changed dramatically with mobile technology and the spread of legal online casinos and sports betting apps. Studies must keep pace to understand how modern gambling habits affect vulnerable populations, especially young people.
Some studies included in this ranking were conducted within specific countries or gambling markets, which may limit how well their conclusions apply to other regions with different laws and gambling availability. Results from Australia, where electronic gambling machines are widespread, may not fully translate to places where they are restricted or less popular.
Many studies also rely on self-reported gambling habits, which can underestimate actual gambling frequency and spending, especially since people with the most severe gambling problems are often the least likely to respond to surveys.
Additionally, researchers note that while frequency of gambling is a strong predictor of gambling harm, it doesn’t always capture differences in money spent or time invested, which can vary widely.
Finally, how gambling types are clustered or how perceived risk is rated, can influence results. Together, these limitations highlight the need for ongoing, location-specific research.
Gambling Addiction treatment in the United States
No matter the type of gambling, addiction can cause financial ruin, mental anguish and strained relationships. As gambling options continue to expand into the digital world, there is a growing need for accessible, specialized help.
Birches Health provides evidence-based gambling addiction treatment nationwide across the United States. Clients meet with licensed clinicians online from the privacy of home, leveraging personalized plans for overcoming compulsive behaviors tied to slots, sports betting, casino games or lottery play. Care is discreet, effective and can be covered by insurance.
There are multiple ways to get started confidentially with Birches Health:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
