Sports betting has exploded in popularity across the United States, transforming from a niche pastime into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Americans wagered an astonishing $166 billion on sports betting in 2025 alone—a figure that surpassed the combined revenue of the U.S. movie, music, book, and museum industries.While many people see gambling as harmless entertainment, a new survey suggests the financial and emotional costs can be far greater than many realize. According to research conducted by VIP Grinders, thousands of Americans have experienced significant gambling losses, and many admit they’ve hidden those losses from the people they love most.
Financial Secrecy Is More Common Than You Might Think
VIP Grinders surveyed 2,000 American adults to better understand gambling habits across the country. One of the most eye-opening findings wasn’t simply how much money people lost—it was how often those losses were kept secret.
The survey found that:
- 40% of respondents admitted they’ve lied about losses to a spouse, family member, or close friend.
- When projected across the U.S. adult population, that equates to roughly 31 million Americans hiding the true extent of their losses.
- The average gambler reported losing $4,632 in their worst single gambling session.
- Nearly 1 in 10 respondents said they’ve lost more than $5,000 in a single sitting.
- 13% gamble every other day or more.
These numbers suggest that for many households, gambling isn’t just about money—it’s also affecting trust and financial transparency.
States Reporting the Largest Gambling Losses
Some states reported significantly larger losses than others.
1. Arizona
Arizona topped the list with gamblers reporting an average single-session loss of nearly $15,000.
Additional findings include:
- 11% have lost more than $5,000 in one session.
- 11% gamble every other day or more.
- 43% admit they’ve hidden gambling losses from loved ones.
The report notes that sports betting has grown rapidly in Arizona since legalization, with betting activity reaching record levels in 2025.
2. Mississippi
Mississippi ranked second, with gamblers reporting average worst-ever losses approaching $9,750.
Even more concerning:
- 59% admitted hiding gambling losses—the highest secrecy rate among the surveyed states.
- 14% reported losing more than $5,000 during a single gambling session.
3. Iowa
Iowa rounded out the top three.
Survey results found:
- Average worst gambling loss: $9,346
- 12% gamble every other day or more.
- 41% have concealed losses from friends or family.
4. Oregon
Oregon gamblers reported average single-session losses of $9,201.
The survey also found:
- 43% have hidden losses from loved ones.
- Oregon has previously ranked among states with some of the highest rates of gambling addiction.
5. Michigan
Michigan completed the top five with average losses of $9,166.
Interestingly, Michigan also reported:
- The highest percentage of frequent gamblers, with 20% betting every other day or more.
- A lower rate of secrecy than many other top states, though 27% still admitted lying about gambling losses.
Other States in the Top 15
The remainder of the top 15 states reporting the highest average gambling losses included:
- California
- Georgia
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- South Carolina
- Nevada
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Virginia
While average losses varied considerably, many of these states shared another troubling trend: a large percentage of respondents admitted hiding gambling-related financial problems from family members.
Gambling Isn’t Always About Winning
The excitement surrounding sports betting, casinos, and online gaming often focuses on big jackpots and life-changing wins. Social media, advertisements, and influencer content frequently showcase success stories while rarely highlighting the losses that are far more common.
According to Joao Mourato, Head of Product at VIP Grinders, this can create unrealistic expectations.
When gambling is portrayed primarily as a way to make easy money, people may feel embarrassed when they lose. Instead of seeking support, many choose to keep those losses hidden, creating financial stress that can impact relationships and household budgets.
Protecting Your Financial Health
If you enjoy gambling recreationally, setting clear financial boundaries can help keep it from becoming a larger problem.
Some healthy habits include:
- Establishing a strict entertainment budget before placing any bets.
- Never gambling with money needed for bills, groceries, or savings.
- Avoiding borrowing money or using credit cards to continue gambling.
- Taking regular breaks if gambling becomes frequent.
- Being honest with loved ones about spending habits.
Responsible gambling starts with recognizing that losses are part of the experience—not something to chase or hide.
Final Thoughts
Sports betting and casino gaming continue to grow across the country, but this survey highlights that the biggest risks often extend beyond dollars and cents. Financial secrecy, strained relationships, and unrealistic expectations can all become hidden costs of gambling.
Whether you gamble occasionally or not at all, these findings serve as a reminder that entertainment should never come at the expense of financial security or open communication with the people who matter most.
Source: Survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by VIP Grinders. Statistics and rankings are based on participant responses and are self-reported.
