Gallup: Reported US gambling falls to 45%, down from 64% a decade ago
Impact on your practice
While gambling disorder is a legitimate clinical concern for therapists, this survey data is epidemiological background information rather than actionable policy. It may inform public health messaging but does not affect practice operations, reimbursement, or licensing.
Key facts
Gallup survey shows US adult gambling participation fell to 45% in 2026, down from 64% a decade ago
Lottery participation dropped from 31% to high-40% range; casino gambling fell from 30% to 14%
Declines consistent across major demographic groups (15-25 percentage point drops since 2016)
Internet gambling at 4% was only form not showing decline; sports gambling at 15% (web survey) to 21% (phone survey)
Policy changes drive denial patterns
Therapy Companion tracks both: the policy shifts on this page and the denial patterns hitting your claims.
Related policy changes
[MA] H4895: Expanding access to mental health services
This bill aims to expand mental health service access in Massachusetts and has cleared committee with a favorable recommendation. Depending on final language, it could affect reimbursement rates, telehealth authorization, or insurance coverage requirements.
[TN] SB1248: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.
This comprehensive TN mental health bill touches multiple code sections and could affect licensure, scope of practice, insurance requirements, and workforce regulations. Therapists should monitor its progress closely as it moves through committee.
Advancing the Future of Behavioral Health Data Exchange
This policy direction addresses a critical pain point for therapists: the lack of integrated health data exchange with primary care and medical providers. Improved interoperability could reduce documentation burden, improve care coordination, and reduce liability from medication interactions or missed diagnoses. However, it may also increase compliance requirements and data security obligations.
Opinion: MAHA is rewriting the vocabulary of American mental health care
Federal deprescribing initiatives create new clinical and billing opportunities for therapists while potentially pressuring prescribing practices. Therapists should understand the evidence, reimbursement rules, and ethical considerations around medication tapering to protect clients and navigate changing clinical norms.