Sports betting worries rise as wagers surge nationwide

Harvard experts and studies report growing concerns about gambling-related harms as U.S. sports wagers rose from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, and a Pew poll finds 43% of adults view legalized sports betting as bad for society.

Americans’ exposure to sports betting has expanded since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that left regulation to the states. Online wagering has grown rapidly, and experts at Harvard and elsewhere are reporting more cases of gambling-related harm. Counselors and a recent study have recorded increases in people seeking help for gambling problems. Public attitudes have shifted, with a larger share of adults now saying legalized sports betting is bad for society. Key facts: - The 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowed states to legalize and regulate sports betting. - As of the report, 39 states have passed laws permitting sports betting in some form. - A JAMA Internal Medicine analysis found total sports wagers rose from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of 2023 wagers placed online. - Counselors report more patients with gambling problems, and internet searches for gambling-addiction help rose about 23% nationally from 2018 through June 2024. Summary: Experts describe rising concerns about individual gambling harms and potential longer-term financial and societal costs as online sports wagering has expanded. Public opinion has grown more negative on legalized sports betting. Undetermined at this time.