The State Similarity Index attempts to quantify how similar states are to each other relative to other states. The index is a statistically-based way to measure this. 20% of the index is based on politics. 10% of a state’s political score (2% of the overall State Similarity Index score) takes into consideration the state’s vice laws, including smoking in public, the sale of alcohol, the legality of marijuana, and limitations on gambling.
(Please note that laws can change quickly, so it is best to consult legal professionals or government authorities for the most current and accurate information)
Smoking Bans
The smoking bans in the United States aim to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and encourage smokers to quit for their own health. Many states have comprehensive smoke-free laws that prohibit smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and workplaces. However, other states have few state-wide laws that restrict smoking in specific locations. In general, states in the Southeast region of the United States have the least restrictions, while the rest of the country tends to heavily restrict smoking in public.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the status of their smoking restrictions:
Restaurant Ban, Bar Ban, Workplace Ban, Casino Ban, Adult-Only Ban
Marijuana Restrictions
Marijuana restrictions also vary greatly based on each state’s specific laws. In 2012, Colorado became the first state in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Many other states have followed suite. However, Idaho, another state in the Rocky Mountains, has the strictest laws prohibiting marijuana. Not only are there no provisions for medical marijuana in Idaho, but possession of any amount of marijuana is criminalized. In addition, some states allow marijuana use for medicinal purposes, but still have not legalized recreational use. Typically, states run by Democrats tend to have more lenient laws.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the status of their marijuana laws:
Illegal, Limited Medical Only, Medical Only, Decriminalized, Decriminalized & Medical, Legalized
Alcohol Regulations
Between 1920 and 1933, the United States prohibited alcohol due to its negative effects on society. Nowadays, the sale of alcohol is still highly regulated in many states. Utah has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws, since Mormons are not supposed to drink. Pennsylvania is another state that allows grocery stores to sell beer, but requires wine and liquor to be bought in state-run stores. In contrast, many states allow the sale of beer, wine, and spirits in grocery stores. Other states restrict alcohol sales to standalone licensed liquor stores, but they are not run by the government.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the places where alcohol is allowed to be purchased:
Beer – Not Allowed in Groceries, Allowed in Groceries
Wine – State Control Stores Only, Not Allowed in Groceries, Allowed in Groceries
Spirits – State Control Stores Only, Not Allowed in Groceries, Allowed in Groceries
Gambling Laws
Alaska, Alabama, Hawaii, and Utah are the four states that have the most restrictions on gambling. These states do not even have a lottery. In contrast, Nevada is known for its wide range of legal gambling options, including commercial casinos, sports betting, poker rooms, and more. It is often considered the gambling capital of the United States. New Jersey is another state with a wide range of legal gambling options, including commercial casinos, sports betting, online casinos, and online sports betting.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the types of gambling that they allow:
Casinos, Lotteries, Online Gambling, Sports Betting, Race Track Betting
