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Arizona’s Division of Problem Gambling says one in five adults in the state are experiencing gambling-related problems in fiscal year 2025-26, as sports wagering and weekly gambling participation both increased.
The figures, highlighted in a FOX 10 Phoenix TV segment uploaded July 29, point to continued consumer-harm concerns in a state where gambling participation remains widespread. According to the segment, 84% of Arizonans said they had gambled in the past year, while the share of people gambling weekly rose from 25% to 30%. The report also said sports wagering in Arizona increased by 22%.
That problem-gambling rate was described as comparable to fiscal year 2022-23, suggesting the issue has remained persistent rather than spiking from a lower baseline.
Accessibility and betting product concerns
The TV segment tied some of the concern to the growing ease of placing bets, especially through newer sportsbook features. Sean Treppedi said live betting and microbetting have changed how often and how quickly people can wager.
“Everything is so accessible now with live betting and micro bets. You can bet on the next pitch, the next football play,” Treppedi said.
The report also cited national scale. It said 39 states have legalized state-regulated sports gambling and, citing Fortune, that Americans have put $166 billion into sports gambling.
FOX 10’s report included comments from gamblers at American Legion Post 1 in downtown Phoenix. Michael Espinoza, discussing greyhound betting, said:“The money, the thrill of it, pretty much just something to do.” Joseph Sparaco, speaking about horse race wagering, said some bettors are “trying to catch the money.”
MLB prop-bet scrutiny adds to integrity debate
The segment also pointed to broader industry scrutiny around certain wager types. According to Treppedi, Major League Baseball is working to ban prop bets because of player harassment, adding another dimension to the debate over how betting products affect both consumers and sports integrity.
Dr. Harry Levant of the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University School of Law framed gambling as a public-health issue rather than ordinary entertainment.
“This is not a pastime. This is a danger. It’s an addictive product,” Levant said.
The FOX 10 report did not detail the Arizona agency’s methodology for the one-in-five figure or specify what policy responses, if any, state officials may pursue next. It also did not break down which sports or products drove the reported 22% rise in sports wagering.
