Growing Concerns Over Legal Sports Betting in the US
Rising Public Concerns Over Legal Sports Betting
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center has revealed increasing public worries about the effects of the legal sports betting industry. Currently, 43% of Americans feel that legalized sports betting negatively impacts society, a significant rise from 34% in 2022. Additionally, 40% believe that it damages the integrity of sports, up by 7% compared to three years ago.
Persistent Engagement in Sports Betting
Despite these concerns, around 22% of Americans continue to participate in some form of sports betting, marking a 4% growth since last year. This participation includes a wide range of betting activities such as private betting pools, fantasy leagues, casual wagers among friends or family, the use of betting applications, online sportsbooks and casinos, as well as betting at physical locations like casinos or racetracks.
Online sports betting, in particular, is experiencing notable growth. Approximately 10% of adults reported placing bets online in the last year, almost doubling from the 6% reported in 2022.
Demographics and Awareness
Research from the Siena College Research Institute alongside St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication showed that 35% of Americans wager on sports, with 19% holding online betting accounts and the majority viewing gambling as an enjoyable activity.
The shift in perception towards sports betting is especially strong among younger adults. Nearly half of men under 30 now see legal sports betting as harmful, compared to just 22% in 2022.
Moreover, about 63% of adults have become aware that many states currently allow legal sports betting, an increase from 56% last year. This heightened awareness is likely due to the growing presence of sports betting advertisements during sports broadcasts.
Young Adults and Online Betting Lead the Trend
Young adults are the most active participants in sports betting. Approximately 31% of individuals under 30, including 36% of young men and 29% of young women, placed a bet within the past year. Betting is less common among older demographics.
Further, Black and Hispanic adults tend to bet more frequently than White or Asian adults, with little variation influenced by college education or political leanings.
Online sports betting is also growing among young adults and Black Americans. About 17% of people under 30 bet online, a substantial increase from 7% three years prior. Black adults are the most active online bettors, with 19% engaging in online betting over the past year, compared to lower percentages among Hispanic, Asian, and White populations.
Concerns Over Addiction and Sports Integrity
While the sports betting industry generates significant revenue, critics have raised alarms about rising gambling addiction rates and potential risks to sports integrity. A recent high-profile case in Ohio, where two pitchers were suspended for betting-related activities, led Governor Mike DeWine to call for restrictions, including a ban on proposition bets, citing concerns about harassment and the broader impact on the sport.
