Most Gambling-Addicted States, Where PA Ranks
Whether it’s recreational or social gambling, either way, you’re willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value. The personal-finance website WalletHub released…
Whether it's recreational or social gambling, either way, you're willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value. The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2023's Most Gambling Addicted States.
In order to call out the states where gambling addiction is most prevalent, they compared the 50 states across several key metrics. The data set ranges from the presence of illegal gambling operations to lottery sales per capita to the share of adults with gambling disorders.
Where does Pennsylvania rank?
According to the report, Pennsylvania made the top ten on the most gambling-addicted states list. At number 9, the study found that the state has the fewest gambling-related arrests per capita.
The most gambling-addicted states.
On the report, Nevada, South Dakota, and Montana were listed as the most gambling-addicted states. Though they found that South Dakota and Oklahoma have almost as many casinos and gaming machines as the state of Nevada.
The least gambling-addicted states.
When it comes to the least gambling-addicted states, Alaska, Vermont, and Utah were at the bottom of the list. Out of these three states, Utah has the least amount of lottery sales per capita.
Also, the study found that Mississippi and Minnesota share the highest percentage of gambling addicts. States including California, Louisiana, Delaware and Nevada have the most gambling-related arrests.
While the gambling industry made a record $60 billion in revenue last year, U.S. consumers experience over $100 billion per year in total gambling losses annually. Gambling can become a real medical condition known as a gambling disorder.
It affects about 1 to 3 percent of all U.S. adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system much like drugs such as alcohol can, leading to addiction."
See the full list of 2023's Most Gambling Addicted States here.
The 5 Most Popular Souvenirs That Tourists Buy
People buy souvenirs to be reminded of special moments from trips. Sometimes they want something to help them remember those special moments. That small item from the place you traveled and toured around is a physical memory. These purchases are a symbol of moments of fun or relaxation.
Icelolly.com -- a travel site -- came up with a list of the best and worst souvenirs for tourists. Some of the items listed are as simple as a t-shirt, magnet, or a key chain. Some of them are more permanent. People actually get tattoos when they travel to remind them of their trip.
When it comes to travel keepsakes, they said most people prefer items that are small or inexpensive. They also mentioned how the story behind the souvenir is better than the object itself. You may want to consider these souvenirs during your next destination gift shop trip.
Here are 5 of the most popular souvenirs tourist buy. See their full list here.
Number Five - Tattoos
Getty ImagesTattoos are a pretty permanent and unforgettable souvenir. Some people get them in each new place they visit. It’s a great way to keep those travel memories with you. Or rather, on you.
Number Four - Shot Glasses
Getty ImagesThis may be one of the best ways to save on bag space. They are easy to find because almost every souvenir shop has one while traveling. Just wrap them in bubble wrap, or tissue paper so they don't crack or break. But once you get them home, they don't take up too much space and they can always come in handy (if you like to do shots in the comfort of your own home, that is).
Number Three - Postcards
Getty ImagesOne of the best parts about postcards as souvenirs is that they’re inexpensive. Also, there are plenty of options to choose from and sometimes you can personalize them. If you're sending them to other people as a souvenir of your trip, you might want to wait until you get home to drop them in the mailbox. Especially if you're overseas. Depending on where you travel to, sometimes the postal service can be really slow.
Number Two - T-Shirts
Getty ImagesSo you may only use the t-shirt to sleep in when you get back from your vacation but they’re convenient to have in your luggage and easy to store away. They also make great gifts, depending on where you were traveling to.
Number One - Ornaments
Getty ImagesMost of the time, you can find a nearby gift shop to buy an ornament. That ornament can tell a story, reflect on a vacation, or celebrate some sort of milestone.
