Halloween brings out our darkest (and sometimes funniest) fears. In a survey of 3,000 people across the U.S., casino.ca asked what gives folks the chills and if they’d face their biggest fear for $1,000. Here’s a countdown of the top terrors haunting the country—and the quirky ways people try to dodge them!

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1. Death: The Ultimate Dread

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  • Where It Haunts: 17 states, including Texas, New York, and California
  • Why It’s Scary: The great unknown spooks Americans the most. One respondent even revealed they refuse to attend any ghost tours, “just in case.”
  • Would They Face It for $1,000? Only if it comes with a money-back guarantee (and maybe a ghost hunter on call).

2. Heights: Sky’s Not the Limit

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  • Where It Haunts: 8 states, like Pennsylvania and Michigan
  • Why It’s Scary: Heights get hearts racing! One brave soul confessed they crawl on all fours when faced with even a low balcony.
  • Avoidance Tactics: Avoiding bridges like a vampire avoids garlic. Detours are just “part of the journey.”

3. Snakes: The Ssssslithering Nightmare

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  • Where It Haunts: 6 states, including Maine and Mississippi
  • Why It’s Scary: Some can't even look at snake photos without a full-body shiver. One respondent admitted to diving behind a couch when a snake appeared on TV.
  • Survival Strategy: Stick to snake-free zones and keep a handy remote control for lightning-fast channel changes.
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4. Public Speaking & Enclosed Spaces: The Tie of Terror

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  • Where It Haunts: 4 states each (Public Speaking in Illinois, Enclosed Spaces in New Jersey)
  • Why They’re Scary: While one respondent said they'd rather “take a math test” than speak publicly, another went up 67 flights of stairs to dodge a crowded elevator.
  • Top Tactic: Make a “no elevator” pact with friends—and invest in a good pair of walking shoes.

5. Failure & Spiders: The Frightful Finishers

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  • Where It Haunts: Failure creeps in Kentucky, spiders lurk in New Mexico
  • Why They’re Scary: Fear of failure keeps some up at night, while arachnophobes get inventive. One person made homemade spider repellents using garlic, lime, and vinegar!
  • Pro Move: DIY defenses for creepy crawlies—garlic isn’t just for vampires, after all.

Would YOU Face Your Fear for $1,000?

  • The Bold: 24% of respondents would take on their worst fear for cash—just maybe not alone in a haunted house.
  • The Cautious: 33% only if they’re guaranteed safety. No one wants a $1,000 prize from beyond the grave.
  • The Nope Squad: 27% said “not for all the cash in the world,” and 16% needed time to weigh the risk. After all, is $1,000 worth a night with spiders or a Ouija board?
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Spooky Fun: What’s the Scariest Halloween Activity?

  • Using a Ouija Board: 27% find this the ultimate fright (talking to spirits, anyone?)
  • Visiting a Graveyard at Night: 21% think it’s too creepy.
  • Haunted House Visits: 21% love it—but only if they can sprint through!
  • Corn Mazes & Horror Movies: Close runners-up, because who doesn’t love a late-night maze with potential jump-scares?

So, Happy Halloween, America! Whether you’re avoiding bridges, detouring around cornfields, or steering clear of graveyards, remember: Halloween is the perfect time to face your fears (or run from them!).

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