Gambling addiction statistics are used by institutions in determining the current status of problems related to gambling within a specific population. These statistics are the results of calculations derived from tools such as surveys, samplings, interviews, and sociological analyses. A few main examples of these statistics are stated below.

First of all, an estimate which was done by a concerned institution shows that six percent of the total population will most likely have gambling problems within their lifetime. This of course may change depending on the prevalence and availability of gambling resources and establishments.

Second, recent statistics from established online groups suggest that four to six percent of those who regularly gamble will eventually become problem gamblers or compulsive gamblers. This may appear to be a small figure considering the total number of people who gamble. However, it becomes relatively alarming when the millions of individuals that gamble every year are taken into consideration.

Apart from these estimates, certain studies have found that this kind of addiction is more common among men, persons who have lower socioeconomic statuses, and ethnic groups. Other studies have found that the rates of suicidal attempts among compulsive gamblers range from seventeen to twenty-four percent, giving an idea about how these people handle their situation.

Lastly, a recent study found that gamblers very seldom ask for professional help. The study involved an interview with fifty persons. Among the group, twenty-seven patients had consulted a doctor within the previous year, and only one had informed his doctor about his gambling addiction. Consequently, doctors are now being persuaded to ask their patients about their gambling behaviors.