Which U.S. States Are the Most Money-Hungry?

By Tomi Huttunen

When it comes to money, secrecy, and gambling habits, how do different U.S. states compare? Some people are open about their winnings, while others keep them quiet, even from their own partners. Some will bet their last $10, while others wouldn’t dream of risking it.

To get to the bottom of it, we conducted a state-by-state data study, ranking all 50 states on their “money-hungry” tendencies based on responses to a series of money-related questions.

In this article:

Key Findings at a Glance
Top 5 Most Money-Hungry States
The 5 Least Money-Hungry States

Key Findings at a Glance

The #1 “Money-Hungry” State: Pennsylvania tops the list as the most money-focused state based on our ranking criteria.

Least Money-Obsessed State: Texas ranks at the very bottom, meaning its residents are the least inclined toward gambling-driven behaviors.

Biggest Secret Keepers: Some states are much more likely to hide their winnings from a partner than others.

Would You Bet Your Last $10? The number of people willing to risk it all varies widely by state.

“People’s attitudes toward money and gambling can be wildly different depending on where they live. Some see it as just a fun game, while others take it very seriously—and the data really shows that contrast.”

Tomi Huttunen, CEO of OnlineCasinoSuomi.com

How We Ranked the States

We didn’t just throw darts at a map. To determine which states are the most “money-hungry,” we ranked them based on responses to five key gambling-related behaviors:

Lottery Spending – Percentage of people who regularly spend money on the lottery.
Keeping Winnings Secret – Would they tell their partner if they won big?
Traveling for Betting – Would they cross states just to place a bet?
Cheating in a Casino – Have they ever tried to bend the rules?
Betting the Last $10 – If they were down to their last ten bucks, would they risk it on a bet?

Each behavior was weighted differently (because let’s face it, cheating at a casino is a bigger indicator of money obsession than buying a scratch-off ticket). The total scores determined the final rankings.

Top 5 Most “Money-Hungry” States

Here are the states where residents are most willing to spend, bet, and (occasionally) hide their gambling habits:

1. Pennsylvania 🏆

Ranked #1 due to high levels of lottery spending and a high percentage of residents who would bet their last $10.

2. Delaware

Strong tendencies toward secrecy, many people from Delaware wouldn’t tell their partner if they won a significant amount.
The state also has a relatively high percentage of people who admitted to trying to cheat in a casino.

3. South Dakota

Big spenders on the lottery.
Residents are highly likely to bet their last $10, suggesting a strong gambling culture.

4. California

A high percentage of people said they’d keep their winnings secret from their partner.
One of the highest rates of casino rule-breaking in the study.

5. Virginia

Many Virginians prioritize gambling enough to travel to another state to do it.
Also ranked high in terms of those willing to risk their last $10 on a bet.

“There’s a strong cultural aspect at play here. States where gambling is more normalized tend to have higher ‘money-hungry’ scores. But in some places, people are just more naturally risk-tolerant than others.”

— Tomi Huttunen, CEO

The 5 Least Money-Hungry States

At the other end of the spectrum, these states ranked the least obsessed with gambling and monetary risk-taking:

46. Louisiana

A low percentage of residents engage in lottery spending.
Fewer people were willing to bet their last $10 compared to other states.

47. Oklahoma

One of the lowest rankings for “keeping winnings secret.”
Residents were also less likely to cross state lines just to gamble.

48. New York

Very few people reported trying to cheat in a casino.
A strong sense of financial conservatism in gambling habits.

49. New Jersey

Extremely low lottery participation compared to other states.
Almost no interest in traveling for betting opportunities.

50. Texas 🏅

The least money-driven state in our ranking.
Low numbers in every single category, including lottery spending, secrecy, and betting behavior.

“Texas’ ranking came as quite a surprise as it’s a state that is known to prioritize wealth, economic growth, and financial opportunities but when it comes to gambling, the data shows that people from Texas are honest with their winnings and spending”.

— Tomi Huttunen, CEO

Key takeaways:

✅ Secrecy is common – Many people (especially in higher-ranked states) admitted they wouldn’t tell their partner about a big win.
✅ Gambling culture is regional – Southern and Midwestern states tend to have a higher willingness to bet money.
✅ Some states are just more risk-averse – In places like New Jersey and Texas, betting is far less common, even when the opportunity is there.

“This data is eye-opening because it tells us how people really think about gambling. It’s not just about laws, it’s about culture, habits, and personal values.”

— Tomi Huttunen, CEO

Whether you’re in a “money-hungry” state or one that avoids gambling, these rankings show just how diverse America’s gambling attitudes really are. While some states are willing to risk it all, others take a much more cautious approach.

So, if you ever win big—will you tell your partner? Or keep it a secret?

Which U.S. States Are the Most Money-Hungry?

Key Findings at a Glance

How We Ranked the States

Top 5 Most “Money-Hungry” States

1. Pennsylvania 🏆

2. Delaware

3. South Dakota

4. California

5. Virginia

The 5 Least Money-Hungry States

46. Louisiana

47. Oklahoma

48. New York

49. New Jersey

50. Texas 🏅

Key takeaways:

Tomi Huttunen - CEO

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