New Research Highlights Increase in Gambling Addiction Linked to Legalized Sports Betting

A groundbreaking study from the University of California San Diego has shed light on the troubling correlation between the rapid proliferation of sports betting venues, particularly those operating online, and the alarming rise in gambling addiction across the United States. This research serves as a crucial warning regarding the public health implications following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to legalize sports betting, a significant shift that many may have underestimated at the time.

The findings, detailed in a recent article published in JAMA Internal Medicine, reveal a staggering uptick in both the accessibility of sportsbooks and the corresponding demand for help with gambling-related issues in the aftermath of the Murphy v. NCAA decision. Researchers observed that while sportsbooks once existed only in a handful of states, they have now expanded to 38 states, with the majority of the estimated hundreds of billions of dollars wagered coming from online platforms. This dramatic increase, alongside the unprecedented rise in gambling addiction help-seeking behaviors, highlights a concerning trend that warrants immediate attention from policymakers and public health officials.

According to Dr. John W. Ayers, a senior author of the study, the legalization of sportsbooks was initially met with a lack of thorough examination by public health experts. With the rapid expansion revealing striking statistics—such as the jump from just one state with operational sportsbooks in 2017 to 38 states in 2024—public awareness of potential gambling issues has become increasingly critical. The researchers’ work suggests that the societal normalization of sports betting—once a fringe activity—has caught the attention of millions who now partake in it, often without understanding the potential risks involved.

The volume of sports wagering is equally staggering. Data indicates that total sports wagers have surged from merely $4.9 billion in 2017 to an astonishing $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of those wagers occurring online. The available data paints a clear picture: gambling has become deeply entrenched in the fabric of American culture. As observed by medical student Matthew Allen, the omnipresence of sportsbook advertising and its integration into everyday life have transformed public perception, making gambling an accepted pastime.

This surge in betting activity is compounded by the fact that those struggling with gambling addiction often resort to online platforms for assistance, yet comprehensive public health measures to address these issues remain significantly lacking. Dr. Kevin Yang, a resident physician involved in the study, notes that gambling addiction is still not universally recognized within healthcare systems, leaving millions of individuals without appropriate support during times of crisis.

To assess the scale of the problem, the research team conducted an analysis of aggregate Google search trends related to gambling from 2016 through mid-2024. Their findings showed that online searches for help related to gambling addiction have increased cumulatively by 23% nationally since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. This translates to roughly 6.5 to 7.3 million search inquiries pertaining to gambling addiction, with peak monthly searches reaching 180,000. This data highlights the growing awareness and need for support, paralleling the expansion of sportsbooks across the country.

When examining data by state, the researchers discovered a consistent pattern: states that have recently opened sportsbooks also observed noticeable spikes in gambling addiction help-seeking searches. For instance, Illinois saw a 35% increase, Massachusetts 47%, and Ohio a staggering 67% following the establishment of sportsbooks. These statistics reflect a broader trend that indicates rising addiction concerns directly linked to the accessibility of sports betting venues.

Interestingly, the study points to a significant difference in the impact of online sportsbooks versus traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. For example, in Pennsylvania, the introduction of retail sportsbooks resulted in a 33% increase in searches for gambling addiction help, but that figure surged to 61% when online sportsbooks were launched. This trend underlines the heightened risk associated with the accessibility of online gambling platforms and highlights the critical need for targeted interventions.

The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that current legislation surrounding sports betting may be insufficient to protect vulnerable individuals and families from the risks associated with gambling addiction. As a response, researchers propose a set of policy reforms aimed at addressing the public health impacts of this burgeoning industry. Among their recommendations are measures for increased funding for gambling addiction services, enhanced advertising regulations similar to those for tobacco and alcohol, and improved clinical training programs for healthcare professionals to recognize and treat gambling addiction effectively.

In a world where sports betting is accessible at the tap of a finger, it is imperative that regulators and legislators take action to establish concrete safeguards. Given past experiences with industries like tobacco and opioids—where public health concerns were often sidestepped until significant damage had occurred—the urgency for immediate reforms cannot be overstated. Without proactive measures, policymakers risk repeating these mistakes, leaving millions at the mercy of unchecked gambling practices.

In conclusion, the implications of this study extend far beyond academic discourse. It serves as a clarion call for collaboration among healthcare providers, public health advocates, and lawmakers to develop an aligned strategy that acknowledges the reality of gambling addiction and seeks to mitigate its risks. As sports betting grows in popularity, so too must our commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind as this industry continues to evolve.

Subject of Research: Gambling Addiction and Sports Betting
Article Title: Growing Health Concern Regarding Gambling Addiction in the Age of Sportsbooks
News Publication Date: 17-Feb-2025
Web References: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.8193
References: N/A
Image Credits: Photo by Areli Alvarez of Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego

Keywords: Sports Betting, Gambling Addiction, Public Health, JAMA Internal Medicine, Research Study, Legislative Reforms, Online Gambling, Help-Seeking Behavior, Digital Addiction

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