Americans Increasingly View Sports Betting Negatively

Growing Concerns Over Sports Betting in the U.S.

A recent survey reveals a rising skepticism among Americans regarding the widespread legalization of sports betting, which began gaining momentum in 2018. Despite many states regulating some form of sports gambling, more people are expressing concerns about its impacts.

Changing Attitudes, Especially Among Young Men

According to the latest polling data, 40% of American adults now perceive sports betting as harmful, citing worries about its effects on both the integrity of sports and individuals involved. This is a notable increase compared to about a third who felt this way in 2022.

Young men, traditionally the most active sports bettors, have shown the most significant change in opinion. Half of men under 30 years old now believe sports betting has negative societal impacts, a sharp rise from 22% just two years earlier.

This shift seems connected to the personal experiences of bettors, their families, and communities, leading many to be critical or even reject the practice. There are reports of younger people, including high schoolers, engaging in betting on popular platforms, which has further raised concerns.

Among those who have placed bets through legal sportsbooks, 34% now view gambling negatively, up from 23% previously.

Support for Legal Sports Betting Remains Mixed

Despite these concerns, a majority still support legal sports betting for professional leagues, with about 60% in favor. However, the support drops when it comes to betting on college sports, where only 40% agree it should be legalized. Other surveys suggest that a majority of adults oppose betting on college-level games.

Demographically, young men, especially those under 30, remain the group most likely to place bets. Black and Hispanic adults show slightly higher participation rates in sports betting compared to other groups, though these differences are not substantially significant statistically.