Sports Betting Surge Fuels Public Health Crisis, Study Reveals

Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to legalize sports betting, the industry has expanded dramatically, contributing to a rise in gambling addiction. Total sports wagers surged from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of bets placed online, leading to a notable 23% increase in searches for gambling addiction help. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights that the escalation in sports betting correlates with a growing demand for addiction support, with searches for help increasing significantly each year. Experts emphasize that states are often unprepared to address the public health implications of this gambling boom. As gambling becomes more ingrained in culture, the non-financial harms associated with it are also coming to light, prompting efforts to raise awareness. The situation underscores the need for better resources and policies to combat gambling addiction and its broader societal impacts.