Florida has made headlines for not just its sun-soaked beaches and lively attractions, but also for ranking among the states with the highest tendency to cheat at popular games. A new analysis reveals just how much Floridians turn to shortcuts when indulging in mentally stimulating activities like crossword puzzles and word games.
Conducted by the online betting website BetUS, the study used keywordtool.io to measure how often users from each U.S. state searched for answers and hints related to games like the New York Times crossword, Wordle, and Sudoku. By analyzing the data, researchers identified the average search volume for these queries per 10,000 individuals, shedding light on which states lean heavily on the internet for game solutions.
According to BetUS, "For many, it takes serious effort to solve these puzzles without a little nudge. Still, a good chunk of Americans skip the struggle altogether, turning to Google for a quick win and the satisfaction of crossing a tough task off their list." The findings show Florida residents searched for answers and hints 279,690 times within the past year, ranking the state at No. 31 among the cheaters.
Interestingly, Florida's top game for cheating appears to be the New York Times crossword puzzle, aligning with preferences also seen nationwide. Following closely behind are states like Massachusetts, which clinched the No. 1 spot overall for cheating on New York Times games, with over 273,000 searches for answers—51.6 percent higher than the national average.
Here's the rundown of the top ten states for cheating and their games of choice:
- Massachusetts (Wordle)
- New Hampshire (Wordle)
- Vermont (Letter Boxed)
- Maine (Wordle)
- Minnesota (Wordle)
- Connecticut (NYT Crossword)
- Rhode Island (Mini Crossword)
- New Jersey (NYT Crossword)
- Colorado (NYT Crossword)
- Delaware (Sudoku)
On the flip side, the analysis identified states where residents seemingly cheat the least. Those include Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Alabama. While many enjoy the satisfaction of completing these puzzles themselves, others, it seems, prefer the ease of online solutions.
Through this light-hearted but telling analysis, BetUS provides insight not only on the popularity of games among different states but also on the cultural attitudes toward gaming challenges across the nation. No doubt, with the digital age prompting easier access to information, many Americans are finding their own ways to enjoy these mentally engaging games without the stress of solving them entirely on their own.
Overall, the findings raise interesting questions about the nature of competition and participation within game-playing culture. Whether it’s the allure of being the first to complete the puzzle or simply the joy of gaming, it’s clear some states may rely more on technology to stay on top.