JAMA Intern Med

Sports betting, gambling addiction rates spiked with proliferation of sportsbooks

February 20, 2025

Study details: This longitudinal study examined the evolution of U.S. sports betting following the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which allowed states to legalize sports betting. Researchers analyzed aggregate U.S. internet search trends from 2016 to 2024 to assess the frequency of searches related to gambling addiction and help-seeking behaviors.

Results: The number of states with operational sportsbooks increased from 1 in 2017 to 38 in 2024. Correspondingly, total sports wagers surged from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of wagers placed online. Nationally, there was a 23% increase in searches for gambling addiction help-seeking post legalization, with significant increases in states like Massachusetts (47%), New Jersey (34%), New York (37%), and Pennsylvania (50%).

Clinical impact: Gambling addiction help-seeking behaviors rose substantially following the expansion of legalized sports betting, particularly online. Early intervention and integrated care approaches are crucial to addressing the mental health and social consequences of gambling addiction.

Source:

Yeola A, et al. (2025, February 17). JAMA Intern Med. Growing Health Concern Regarding Gambling Addiction in the Age of Sportsbooks. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39960737/