Majority Americans View Sports Betting Negatively After 2025 Expansion

Public sentiment in the U.S. is increasingly negative toward legal sports betting, with a majority viewing it as harmful to society and sports, influenced by concerns such as problem gambling and scandals like the recent NBA betting investigation. The expansion of legal betting since 2018 has brought higher engagement but also heightened awareness of risks, with younger adults more familiar with mobile betting and older generations favoring stricter regulations. The introduction of a new gambling tax by President Donald Trump in 2026 and the rise of prediction markets could further affect public attitudes. Sports betting has also changed fan behavior, particularly through live and in-play betting that allows fans to engage more dynamically with games, especially football. However, the intertwining of sports and betting raises integrity issues, with historic and ongoing concerns about game manipulation, as seen in scandals involving referees and players, undermining trust in American sports. Addiction and social consequences remain critical issues, as counselors report increased treatment demand, underscoring the complex and controversial role of betting in modern U.S. sports culture.