Gambling now outranks intimacy as 44% say bets beat bedroom thrills – report

It turns out swiping right might have some competition, and it’s not another dating app. A new survey shows that nearly half of adults say placing a bet gives them more of a rush than a romantic moment. Casinos Analyzer found that for many, gambling is actually eclipsing intimacy altogether.

In the survey of 1,500 US adults aged 21 and over, 44% admitted that gambling “gets their heart racing” more than a first kiss, a wild night out, or even intimacy in the bedroom. And for almost 40% of people, betting brings “the most consistent satisfaction” in their lives.

Over half of adults say they’d take a $500 win over hearing “I love you,” according to a Casinos Analyzer survey. Credit: Casinos Analyzer

When asked what they’d be willing to give up for their favorite thrill, one in four said they’d rather skip physical closeness for a whole month than lose their ability to place a bet. A whopping 57% admitted they’d take a $500 win over hearing “I love you” from a romantic partner.

Gambling trumps intimacy according to study

Jaime Bronstein, a licensed relationship therapist, told ReadWrite: “Staking money taps into the same brain circuits as attraction and desire, but it’s often more consistent. What makes high-stakes games so potent is the unpredictability of the outcome paired with the promise of reward. That combo lights up the brain much like flirting or bedroom moment, but it’s faster, solo, and repeatable.”

But how does this constant chase for adrenaline affect relationships and mental health? Bronstein warns that while gambling doesn’t directly take something away from relationships, “when this kind of excitement becomes the primary source of emotional release, it can subtly alter how people connect.

“The brain begins to associate pleasure with action and reward—something fast, self-contained, and predictable in its way. That doesn’t leave much space for the slower, less certain pace of emotional intimacy.

“And over time, some couples notice a gap. Not a crisis. Just a sense that connection feels harder to access, or that moments together don’t land the way they used to. It’s subtle, but real.”

So what’s driving people to place their bets? Turns out, the reasons are as varied as the gamblers themselves. About a third of respondents said they’ve bet to fund specific goals such as summer vacations, big nights out, or shopping sprees. Another 27% admitted they’re using gambling to help cover everyday expenses. For many, betting has become a means to an end.

“Understanding this pattern isn’t about cutting the thrill – it’s about staying aware of what keeps drawing you in.” – Jaime Bronstein, licensed relationship therapist at Casinos Analyzer

The survey also found gambling has permeated daily routines in surprising ways. Nearly a third of respondents admitted to placing bets in the bathroom, 18% said they’ve gambled in bed with someone else lying right next to them, and others confessed to sneaking in bets during dates, parties, and even at work.

Bronstein sees clear parallels between gambling and other instant-gratification habits like social media or online shopping. “Absolutely. I see the same exact patterns. They all hijack your dopamine pathways using ‘variable ratio reinforcement.’ You never know when the next reward is coming, and that uncertainty makes it incredibly addictive.

A Casinos Analyzer survey highlights how far some are willing to go to keep the thrill of gambling in their lives. Credit: Casinos Analyzer

“Social media gives you random validation through likes and comments. Shopping gives you that small jolt when you find a deal or hit ‘purchase.’ Gambling works similarly, but the stakes are higher and money carries meaning. For many people, it represents safety, opportunity, or independence. That adds another layer to the experience.

“What I’m seeing more often now is how these habits stack on top of each other. Someone’s placing a bet while scrolling TikTok. Or shopping between hands. It becomes constant input, moment after moment. And in that kind of rhythm, deeper connection, the kind that takes time, can start to feel slow or even flat. It’s not that people stop caring—it’s just that their attention is already full.”

Maybe it’s no surprise then that two in five participants said gambling has made them feel more “alive” than physical connection ever has. For a third, it’s now their go-to source of adrenaline, beating out social likes, parties, and even intimacy.

How couples can balance gambling-fueled adrenaline with emotional intimacy

So how can individuals and couples balance thrill-seeking with emotional connection? Bronstein suggests starting small: “Start by naming the feeling that the thrill gives you. Is it relief? Focus? Confidence? Once you understand that, it’s easier to see how it fits into your life—instead of running the show. Many people with addictions feel out of control. This is a way to gain back a sense of internal authority.”

For couples, she advises against trying to “compete” with the excitement of gambling. “Instead, build your own version of intensity. That might look like trying something new together, planning something spontaneous, or just being honest about what makes you feel alive.

“The point isn’t to stop seeking excitement. It’s to bring it closer to the relationship, rather than outside of it. Do novel things together—whether it’s going to a new restaurant, a new hike, or a new travel destination. Novelty increases dopamine and testosterone. More testosterone means an increased sexual desire in both men and women, so do novel things together.

“Understanding this pattern isn’t about cutting the thrill – it’s about staying aware of what keeps drawing you in,” Bronstein noted.

UPDATED: Additional comments added from Jaime Bronstein on July 23, 2025.

Featured image: Grok

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