Academic Study Links Social Security Payment Dates to Spikes in Gambling

A doctoral student researcher at West Virginia University believes there could be a correlation between gambling activity and when seniors receive their monthly Social Security benefits. Matt Mullis is a 4th-year PhD candidate in economics at West Virginia University, where he works with the WVU Center for Gaming Research and Development. During his studies, Mullis came across what he believes to be evidence linking Social Security payments to increased gambling. West Virginia is home to an extensive legal gambling industry, with a state-run lottery, land-based casinos and racinos , charitable gaming, and retail and online sports betting.