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UKRisky Business: The US States that Love (and Hate) Risk Taking
From Las Vegas casinos to Silicon Valley startups, America is built on big risks. But did you know that some states take more chances than others?
By analyzing data on gambling habits, interest in crypto investments, entrepreneurship rates, and even prenups, we’ve ranked the most and least risk-taking US states.
Keep reading to find out which states go all in—and which ones play it safe.
Key Highlights: High Rollers vs. Safe Bettors:
- Florida leads the pack with a Risk Rating of 48.71, topping the charts thanks to residents’ high gambling spend, strong entrepreneurial scene, and plenty of skydiving hotspots.
- Surprisingly, in high-risk states, prenups are more common, with some of the top-ranking states having prenup ratings of 14-18%.
- Michigan residents bet big, spending $480.75 per capita on lottery tickets and $451.85 on gambling.
- The South is the most risk-averse region, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas ranking in the bottom three.
- Skydiving centers reveal a state’s thrill-seeking culture—California has 21, while some low-risk states have none at all.
America’s Biggest Risk-Takers: Who’s Going All In?
In the most risk-taking states, high-stakes bets go beyond the casino—from crypto speculation to entrepreneurial leaps. In these states, gambling spending is high, and interestingly, so is financial caution in marriage.
From betting big to playing it safe in marriage, these states take risks in ways that might surprise you.
#1 Florida – USA’s High-Stakes Playground
Risk Rating: 48.71 🎲🔥
Considering the Florida Man Birthday Challenge exists, should we be surprised Florida takes the top spot on our list? With $37.90 in gambling spend per capita and $491 in lottery sales, Floridians aren’t afraid to test their luck.
The Sunshine State is also one of the best places to play the lottery. Ranking high in crypto investment interest (1,752 searches per 100k) and boasting an entrepreneurship rate of 65.12, Florida is truly America’s high-stakes playground.
#2 California – Where Big Risks Build Bigger Dreams
Risk Rating: 48.37 🎲🔥
Risk-taking is woven into California’s DNA, from the tech moguls of Silicon Valley to the Hollywood dreamers banking on their big break.
The Golden State has one of the highest crypto investment interest rates (1,882 searches per 100k) and a booming gig economy, with a 57.04% entrepreneurship rate and 11.7% self-employment rate. However, when it comes to love, Californians hedge their bets—18% of married couples sign a prenup, the highest rate amongst the top risk-takers.
#3 Maine – Small State, Big Risks
Risk Rating: 41.68 🎲🔥
Maine may be the most rural state in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean its residents play it safe. Mainers outspend many larger states when it comes to gambling, with $152.99 spent per capita and $317 in lottery sales.
They’re also engaged in crypto speculation, with 1,316 searches per 100k. But unlike high-risk states like California, Mainers take a more relaxed approach to marriage—only 7% of couples sign prenups, suggesting trust still outweighs financial caution in relationships.
#4 Colorado – Taking Risks at High Altitude
Risk Rating: 41.56 🎲🔥
Risk-taking in Colorado isn’t just limited to the ski slopes. The state has $317.45 in gambling spend per capita and $165 in lottery sales, proving residents aren’t afraid to bet on uncertain returns.
A crypto investment interest rate of 1,710 searches per 100k suggests a tech-savvy mindset, while an entrepreneurship rate of 57.21 shows that business risks are common here. However, when it comes to marriage, Coloradans don’t roll the dice—14% of married couples sign prenups, one of the highest rates in the ranking.
#5 Michigan – Betting Big in the Midwest
Risk Rating: 41.56 🎲🔥
Michigan may not have Vegas-style casinos on every corner, but its residents still love to gamble. The state sees a huge $480.75 spent per capita on lottery tickets and $451.85 in gambling spend, showing an appetite for risk.
While Michiganders love a financial gamble, they aren’t as concerned about protecting their personal assets—only 7% of married couples sign a prenup. Interest in crypto and investments is also strong here, with 1,452 searches per 100k, and an entrepreneurship rate of 58.39.
Most Cautious States – Where Risk-Taking Takes a Backseat
While some states embrace risk, others prefer a more cautious approach. Whether it’s due to legal restrictions or cultural attitudes, gambling, crypto, and business risks are far less common in certain parts of the country.
Here, stability outweighs speculation, and financial caution takes priority over high-stakes bets.
#1 Last: Alabama – The State That Won’t Take the Gamble.
Risk Rating: 13.25 🛑⚖️
Alabama ranks dead last in risk-taking, and the numbers back it up. The state has $0 in gambling spend or lottery sales, as laws prohibit these activities.
Crypto speculation is also minimal, with just 952 searches per 100k, and only 8.5% of residents are self-employed. Even thrill-seeking is rare here—Alabama has just two skydiving centers. The message is clear: residents here prefer financial and lifestyle stability over risky bets.
#2 Mississippi – Where Caution Comes First, Even in Casinos
Risk Rating: 14.18 🛑⚖️
Mississippi may have a strong casino presence, but overall risk-taking remains low. Lottery participation is modest, with $204 spent per capita. However, interest in crypto is among the lowest in the country at 686 searches per 100k.
The entrepreneurship rate is 44.32, and only 8.6% of residents are self-employed, reflecting a preference for stable career paths over independent ventures.
#3 Arkansas – Keeping Both Feet on the Ground
Risk Rating: 16.74 🛑⚖️
When it comes to risk, those from Arkansas prefer to stay on solid ground. While both gambling and lottery participation are legal in Arkansas, spending here remains low, with $290.23 per capita in gambling and $233 in lottery sales.
Crypto speculation is low here, with 861 searches per 100k, suggesting a preference for more traditional investments. Adventure-seekers won’t find much here either—only two skydiving centers serve the entire state.
#4 Hawaii – Paradise Without the High Stakes
Risk Rating: 16.96 🛑⚖️
Hawaii may be a destination for adventure, but residents themselves aren’t big on taking risks. Casinos are illegal, meaning there is $0 in gambling and lottery spend.
Business risks are also rare, with a self-employment rate of just 9.3% and an entrepreneurship rating of 24.3. And when it comes to marriage, financial foresight is common—18% of couples sign prenups, one of the highest rates in the country.
#5 New Mexico – A State That Bets on Playing It Safe
Risk Rating: 17.59 🛑⚖️
New Mexico rounds out the bottom five, showing a reserved approach to risk-taking despite having legal casinos. Gambling participation is relatively low, with $162.89 per capita spent on gambling and $83 per capita spent in lottery sales.
Business risk-taking is also muted here, with a self-employment rate of 9.3% and an entrepreneurship rating of 49.18. In marriage, New Mexicans take fewer chances, with 17% of couples signing a prenup, making financial security a bigger priority than high-risk bets.
Risk Across America: How Different Regions Stack Up
Risk-taking in the U.S. isn’t evenly spread. Some regions go all-in, while others barely ante up. The West leads with a 0.3128 average risk rating score, which tracks for a region where people jump out of planes for fun and bet big on startups.
The Northeast (0.3098) isn’t far behind, thanks to Maine’s gambling spend and New York’s obsession with crypto.
The Midwest (0.2727) plays it safe, and the South (0.2614) finishes last, where states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas keep risk-taking to a minimum.
How We Measured Risk-Taking in the U.S.
We analyzed all 50 U.S. states based on seven factors, each weighted equally:
- Gambling Spend & Lottery Sales (AGA, Fool.com) – Per capita gambling revenue was calculated using gross gaming revenue divided by the 18+ population (U.S. Census).
- Crypto Investment Interest (CryptoBetting.org) – Measured by search volume per 100k residents.
- Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship (BLS, DPM) – Reflects business risk-taking.
- Prenup Agreements (Ledger-Enquirer) – Ranked inversely, as prenups suggest financial caution.
- Skydiving Locations (Statista) – Represents appetite for extreme sports.
Some states show $0 in gambling spend due to gambling bans or law changes in 2024 (e.g., Vermont, North Carolina).
Are You a Risk-Taker or a Play-It-Safer?
Florida tops the list as the biggest risk-taker, while Alabama lands in last place, avoiding financial and lifestyle risks altogether.
Whether your state goes all in or folds early, one thing’s clear— taking chances is part of the American spirit. Do you agree with the rankings, or do you think we missed the mark?
Join the conversation and connect with us on Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok— are you a high roller, or do you prefer to play it safe? 🎲🔥 #RiskyBusiness
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