The Lengths Americans Would Go to for Wealth
Key insights:
- Some 13% of Americans would be willing to publicly embarrass themselves for $5,000 or less, while 46% would enter Squid Game for a shot at $33 million.
- If they won $1 million, 57% of Americans would first purchase a house, and 14% would use it to treat loved ones, while 84% would willingly give to charity.
- Fed up with the nine-to-five, 57% of people would quit their job following a significant windfall. However, rather than relaxing, 62% would use their time to pursue business ideas and passion projects.
- Some 24% of Americans believe inheritance is their best chance at earning $1 million, while 20% are hoping for a lottery win, and 13% are banking on cryptocurrency.
We all dream about it: The life-changing moment when our lottery numbers match, an unlikely investment skyrockets, or our long-lost uncle leaves behind a fortune in his will. Especially now, when owning property feels out of reach, living costs keep climbing, and everything is expensive.
But how far would people go to get rich? And is money really the answer to all of life’s problems?
Gamblizard surveyed 2000 Americans on what they would do for a million bucks, how they would spend their fortune, and the fears that put them off pursuing riches.
Chasing cash: The extremes Americans would endure for wealth
The risk of organ harvesting isn’t enough to deter many when money is on the line. Some 46% admit they would enter a real-life version of Squid Game, a contest where 99.8% of participants face death, for a slim shot at $33 million.
Why worry about morals when there are millions on the table? Some 40% of Americans admit they would gladly take a $33M prize even if it meant someone else lost everything, with another 46% open to it depending on the person.
Our dignity has a price — and, for many people, it’s surprisingly cheap. Understandably, 81% of people would embarrass themselves on live TV or social media for a $33 million windfall, while 48% would make a deal for $1 million. However, 13% value their self-respect at $5,000 or less, while 4% would settle for just $500.
Not for sale: What would make Americans turn down a million?
When the price is right, even love, lust, and loyalty are up for sale. For $1 million, 59% of people would turn their backs on technology and live off the grid. But, worse yet, 43% admit they would kick their romantic partner to the curb, 41% would bring the curtain down on their sex lives, and 15% would frame a friend for a crime they didn’t commit.
Money talks, but not everyone is willing to listen, especially if it comes with strings attached. For some, the bragging rights matter just as much as the money, with 10% willing to reject a windfall if they can’t tell or show anyone. Likewise, 21% value social media access more.
Family complicates it, too. Some 54% would walk away from the deal if their parents controlled the cash, while 38% would hesitate if it meant their enemy profited.
Money moves: How would Americans do with a sudden fortune?
What would you buy with your million-dollar prize? A flashy car? Designer brands? Diamond-drenched jewelry? Think again. In the age of soaring rents and sky-high living costs, 57% of Americans say their first purchase would be a home of their own. Some 14% would first buy gifts for family and friends, putting generosity above glitz and glam.
It isn’t just loved ones who would see some of the cash — 84% say they would also give to charity if they won big, with homelessness (51%), health (36%), and animal welfare (36%) the causes that would benefit most.
But despite their big dreams and long wishlists, most Americans are determined not to burn through their millions overnight. Instead, 38% plan to take their spending slow, enjoying a modest, yet stress-free life, while 36% would invest their winnings wisely and let their money work for them.
All work, no play: How Americans plan to spend their time after striking it rich
Money can’t just buy flashy cars, fancy meals, and luxury fashion — It can buy freedom, too. Desperate to escape the nine-to-five, 57% of Americans say they would hand in their resignation the second the check clears.
But for most Americans, freedom doesn’t mean lazing in luxury. Rather, it’s an opportunity to pursue their true purpose. Some 31% say they would spend their newfound time and money on founding a business of their own, while another 31% would keep working, but for the passion, not the paycheck.
Fears and fortune: America’s wealth-related worries
If you hit the jackpot, don’t expect all your money troubles to disappear. Some 20% fear getting addicted to spending big, while 39% worry they would burn through their windfall. But the biggest concern? Those lining up for a slice of the pie. For 48% of Americans, their greatest fear is getting swamped by sob stories and costly requests for cash.
The best way to avoid the headaches of wealth? Keep it quiet. While most Americans would make an exception for partners (53%) and family (52%), 21% admit that they wouldn’t tell a soul if Lady Luck rewarded them.
It’s often said that money is the root of all evil, and for some Americans, that’s a real worry. Despite 59% believing that wealth would bring out their best selves, giving them the means to give back, 5% fear that a fortune would slowly erode their ethics and misalign their morals.
The road to riches: What are Americans banking on to get rich?
Some 20% of Americans are crossing their fingers for a lucky lottery ticket, while 19% plan to roll the dice at the casino, and 13% are going all-in on crypto.
However, while many are counting on luck, others are counting on legacy. Some 24% believe their best chance of making $1 million is through inheritance, while 19% believe marriage could be their golden ticket.
Whether betting on luck, love, or legacy, we all dream of hitting the jackpot. And we’ve already made our plans, set out our strategies, and considered where every cent will go — even if, in reality, the odds are stacked against us.
