Gallup Poll Tracks Decline in U.S. Adult Gambling Participation

Graph showing declining U.S. gambling participation rates from Gallup poll data

Telephone interviews conducted by Gallup with more than 2,200 U.S. adults between June and July 2026 produced clear numbers on participation trends, and those figures show just 45 percent of adults took part in at least one gambling activity during the previous year. That share stands as the lowest point recorded in Gallup’s recent tracking history, down from 64 percent in 2016 and from roughly two-thirds in both the 2003 and 2007 surveys.

The survey captured responses across a range of common activities, and the results point to broad reductions rather than isolated shifts in any single category. State lottery ticket purchases, for instance, fell to 31 percent of adults from 49 percent in 2016, while in-person casino visits dropped to 14 percent from 26 percent over the same span. Office pools also registered lower engagement compared with earlier measurements.

Survey Methodology and Scope

Gallup collected the data through its standard Consumption Habits series, and the sample size of over 2,200 adults provides a national snapshot that researchers can compare directly with prior waves. The poll asked respondents whether they had participated in any gambling activity during the past year, then broke out specific formats to identify where the largest changes occurred. Because the questions remained consistent across multiple years, observers can trace the downward movement without adjusting for changes in wording or definitions.

Data from the June–July 2026 period reached publication in August 2026, and the timing places the findings in a context where state lotteries, commercial casinos, and informal betting pools continue to operate under established rules. The report includes topline figures along with breakdowns by activity type, which allows analysts to examine each segment separately while still viewing the overall participation rate.

Activity-Specific Changes

Lottery ticket sales represent the largest single component of measured gambling in previous Gallup waves, yet the 2026 results show participation at 31 percent compared with 49 percent a decade earlier. In-person casino gambling, another longstanding category, declined from 26 percent to 14 percent over the same interval. Office pools, often tied to sports events or seasonal contests, also posted lower figures than those recorded in earlier surveys.

Detailed breakdown chart of gambling activities from the 2026 Gallup poll

Additional activities tracked by the poll include sports betting, online games, and charitable gambling events, though the report highlights the three largest drops as the clearest indicators of the overall trend. Because each category declined, the aggregate participation rate reached its lowest level in the series rather than reflecting movement in only one or two formats. The consistent methodology across years supports direct comparisons without the need for statistical adjustments.

Context Within Broader Trends

Earlier Gallup surveys from 2003 and 2007 recorded participation near two-thirds of adults, and the 2016 figure of 64 percent still aligned closely with those levels. The 2026 result of 45 percent therefore marks a departure from the pattern observed across the prior two decades. The report presents these numbers as part of the Consumption Habits series, which also tracks other discretionary activities, allowing researchers to place gambling alongside comparable behaviors.

State lottery participation remains the most widely reported activity even after the decline, while casino visits and office pools show steeper percentage drops. The poll does not attribute causes to the changes, but the data provide a factual baseline that state regulators, industry analysts, and academic researchers can reference when examining participation patterns. Full topline data and the complete report are available through Gallup’s published materials.

Conclusion

The June–July 2026 Gallup poll documents a measurable reduction in the share of U.S. adults who report any gambling activity over a 12-month period. With overall participation at 45 percent, down from 64 percent in 2016, and with corresponding drops across lottery tickets, casino visits, and office pools, the findings supply a clear data point for anyone tracking long-term trends in consumer behavior. The survey’s consistent methodology and national sample size allow direct year-over-year comparisons, and the August 2026 release makes those numbers available for ongoing reference.