Impact of Legalized Sports Betting
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, sports wagering in the skyrocketed from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of bets placed online.
The expansion across 38 states has not only normalized sports betting but also coincided with a 23% increase in online searches for gambling addiction help, indicating a growing public health concern.
Calls for Action and Skepticism
Researchers and lawmakers advocate for stronger safeguards, including using sportsbook tax revenues for addiction services and stricter advertising regulations, to combat the rise in gambling addiction.
Some critics argue that increased online searches do not necessarily reflect a surge in gambling addiction, suggesting that the attention could be due to greater awareness and availability of help resources post-legalization.