While social media usually gets the spotlight in conversations about digital addiction, new research shows that gambling is still one of the most financially damaging and mentally exhausting digital habits in 2025, especially for young adult men.
The study, conducted by Casinos Blockchain and shared with ReadWrite, looked at how people use social media, gambling apps, video games, streaming platforms, and even alcohol. It surveyed 1,000 US adults between the ages of 18 and 54, using a mix of question types and anonymous responses. The data was then compared with global trends to better understand digital behavior and addiction.
According to the global report “The Data Behind Today’s Most Addictive Digital Habits,” gambling platforms may have fewer users than social media, but they still account for some of the biggest individual losses.
“Gambling had more intense but less frequent engagement, yet a higher percentage of heavy spenders,” the study explains. About 17% of gambling users spend over $50 a month, and a smaller group is losing $100 or more monthly.
“Online gambling shows the most intense individual risk, especially for young adult males. Though used less frequently than social media, it triggers higher stress and financial loss — and overlaps heavily with gaming addictions.”
These spending habits are most common among people aged 35 to 44, with 42% in that group saying they gamble regularly. “30s males showed overlapping addictions – including gaming, gambling, and alcohol,” the researchers observed. They point out a growing pattern of people in this age group dealing with multiple addictive behaviors at once.
‘Massive direct personal losses’
Even though gambling made up just 5% of overall engagement in the report, it still accounts for a staggering $500 to $600 billion in global losses every year. The report puts it bluntly: “Gambling addiction results in massive direct personal losses, especially among high-frequency bettors.” And those losses are only getting worse due to unregulated apps and online casinos.
Psychology plays a big role here too. The report notes that “rewards & bonuses,” like jackpots or loyalty points, are what 57% of users say keep them coming back. Nearly half of users also mentioned that notifications and algorithm-driven prompts were major triggers that pulled them back into apps or websites.
Despite all these red flags, most people aren’t looking for help. Only around 19% of users in the 35 to 44 age group, which is the group most affected, have sought support for addictive behavior. Younger users seem more proactive, though. About 33% of 18 to 24-year-olds have looked for help or information about digital or behavioral addictions.
The report adds: “Online gambling shows the most intense individual risk… it triggers higher stress and financial loss, and overlaps heavily with gaming addictions.”
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