It could be argued that much has changed since the “greed is good” mantras proliferated through the media zeitgeist. Yet, a recent study seems to suggest that quite the opposite is true. Perhaps people’s perception of greed, or greedy behaviors in general, has changed very little. Like most things in life, the answer is far from simple, with different values and perspectives emerging in various regions.
Based on responses from residents of all 50 states in the U.S., Online Casino Suomi has provided a breakdown of the five greediest states in the union. Participants responded to questions about behaviors that included regularly buying lottery tickets, hiding potential winnings from a partner or spouse, traveling out of state to gamble, admitting to breaking or bending the rules of a casino, and being willing to bet their last $10. Read on to see the stats on the state of greed today.
Virginians Love to Gamble
Virginia might be for lovers, but apparently it’s also for greed. The state captures the number five spot on the list as the least greedy of the very greedy. Residents admitted a considerable willingness to gamble, with few resisting the pursuit of money.
The Gold Rush Never Stopped
The Golden State finds itself at number four on the list. Given the nickname, the tech billionaires, and Silicon Valley denizens, it is perhaps only surprising that Californians didn’t find themselves higher in the top five. With an ambitious, strong money drive, respondents ranked high in secrecy and willingness to bend or break the rules, with some even going so far as to admit attempting to cheat in a casino. I’m sure neighboring Nevada would prefer those Californians stay on their side of the map.
Risky South Dakotans
The Rushmore State is quick to rush into risky behaviors. Residents of the state scored high in various high-risk queries of the survey. Furthermore, many South Dakotans would spend their last $10 on a gambling endeavor. Lastly, a surprising number of respondents admitted they would attempt to bend the rules in a casino. These responses landed state residents as the third greediest in the U.S.
Keeping it on the Down Low in Delaware
The First State rated second when it comes to greedy states in the U.S. When polled, a high percentage of Delawareans admitted that they would keep their gambling wins private and presumably to themselves. By no means a large state, yet the majority of respondents indicated that they held dreams of winning big money, but few fantasies of sharing the winnings. Clearly, what Delaware lacks in size it more than makes up for in sheer avarice.
Money is the Key in the Keystone State
Perhaps surprisingly, Pennsylvania tops the list as the most money-hungry state in the union. In their responses, a shocking number of residents admitted to purchasing lottery tickets quite frequently. Even more alarming, many Pennsylvanians openly agreed they would be willing to risk their last $10 on the lottery for a chance to win big. That might be where the openness ends, however, as Pennsylvanians also had the highest number of residents who stated that they would conceal a significant lottery or gambling win from their partner or spouse. Memo to the married people of Pennsylvania: it might just be time to consider a postnuptial financial agreement.
Everything’s Bigger in Texas, Except Greed
On the other end of the scale, Texas ranks as the least money-hungry state in the union. Respondents reported far lower drive to take risks in gambling or hide winnings from a significant other. Despite sharing borders with gambling hotspots in Louisiana and Oklahoma, residents of the Lone Star State reported less risky behaviors and lower rates of impulsivity.
