Sports betting is increasing in the United States and worldwide, with online sites, eSports betting, and in-play bets. This has economic impacts that may be positive on a nationwide scale and potentially detrimental to individuals. Alongside this, growing numbers of people are seeking help for gambling addiction, highlighting the troubling effects of the sports betting boom.
The rapid growth of sports gambling
Before 2018, sports betting was illegal in all US states apart from Nevada. In 2018, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned, allowing sports betting to be legalized in any state. Since then, the legal status of sports betting has changed dramatically, and it is now legal in 39 states. [1][2]
Sports betting has been legal in other countries, including the UK, Canada, and Italy, for decades. With the changes in the US, sports gambling has grown significantly, with the global sports betting market reportedly valued at $103.08 billion in 2024 and a predicted market of $224.12 billion by 2033. [3]
Steve Carleton, licensed clinical social worker and addiction specialist, highlights how this growth is leading to higher rates of gambling addiction among Americans.
Medical advisor
LCSW, CAS
Factors contributing to sports gambling growth
Along with the legal changes in the US, other factors have contributed to the current and predicted growth of sports gambling, including:
- The growing popularity of eSports: eSports betting involves placing bets on the outcomes of video game competitions. This has reportedly grown in the US from 15% of the population in 2018 to 21% in 2021 [4], with a global market increase from $124 million in 2014 to more than $900 million in 2018. [5]
- Increasing use of technology to place bets: The percentage of adults engaging in online gambling has reportedly increased worldwide from 5.5% before 2016 to 10% in 2020 [6] and in the US from 15% in 2018 to 25% in 2021. [4]
- COVID-19 pandemic: Economic stress and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to increasing numbers of people engaging in gambling, particularly online betting. [4][6]
The digital gambling revolution: How technology is transforming betting
In recent years, there has been a growing number of betting sites and apps that can be accessed from mobile devices. This means that people can place bets at any time of the day, wherever they are. These sites also offer bets on any sporting game or event, from worldwide tournaments to local minor league games. [1][7]
Additionally, online betting allows users to place bets during games, such as who will score the next touchdown or goal, what the score will be at half-time, or even smaller details within the game. The odds for these bets are adjusted throughout based on the occurrences within the game. [7]
Because of these changes, people can place multiple bets easily and quickly based on impulsive decision-making, potentially causing increased financial loss.
Legal landscape and challenges
Laws around sports gambling vary significantly from state to state. Some states permit all types of gambling, including casinos and online betting, while others are more restrictive. Currently, sports betting is legal in 39 US states. [2]
After the 2018 overturning of PASPA, New Jersey and Delaware legalized sports gambling immediately. In contrast, all gambling is illegal in Hawaii, South Carolina, Georgia, and Utah. In some states, including Texas and Missouri, sports gambling is illegal, while other forms of gambling, such as casino betting, are permitted. [1][2]
Socioeconomic impacts of sports betting
Figures from the American Gaming Association in 2023 show that gambling in the U.S. has created 1.8 million jobs, $52.7 billion in tax impact and tribal revenue share, and $108.56 billion in gross gaming revenue. [2]
While these figures suggest an economic benefit to the country, the impact of gambling on the individual appears less beneficial. A study shows that the total amount bet on sports increased from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of these bets placed online. [8]
A report from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) shows that as many as 27% of gamblers in 2021 required financial support from others to help pay their gambling debts and bills. [4]
The rise in gambling addiction
Gambling disorder is the first officially recognized behavioral addiction, and it is thought that the prevalence of gambling addiction is increasing, with millions of Americans engaging in problematic gambling.
The NCPG conducted surveys in 2018 and 2021 to measure gambling behaviors and attitudes. These surveys show an increase in risky gambling behavior since 2018, particularly among young adults. [4]
Additionally, a study found a 23% increase in online searches across the nation for gambling addiction help between 2018 and 2024. [8]
Medical advisor
LCSW, CAS
The extent to which gambling addiction is affecting people is unclear. The changes in the legal status have increased access to multiple gambling options, including legal gambling sites, which may be contributing to these issues. However, they may also have encouraged more people to seek help with their gambling habits.
Worried about your sports betting? Recognize problematic gambling behavior
Many people place bets and may not experience harm or negative consequences when this is done in moderation. However, gambling can become problematic and can lead to gambling addiction, with issues relating to finances, relationships, employment, and mental health. [9]
Medical advisor
LCSW, CAS
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Feeling a loss of control over gambling
- Attempting to reduce or stop gambling unsuccessfully
- Continuing to gamble despite social, professional, or personal issues
- Lying to others about gambling habits
- Financial issues due to gambling
- Borrowing or stealing money to gamble
- Feelings of regret or guilt after gambling
- Agitation, depression, or irritability when unable to gamble
Management and prevention of problematic gambling
People who want to prevent gambling issues from occurring or who want to try and reduce gambling habits may find the following tips helpful. [10]
- Set a time or money limit
- Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never gamble with someone else’s money
- Don’t gamble under the influence of alcohol or substances
- Take breaks from the table/app/machine
- After losing, don’t gamble more to try and win back lost money
- Stop gambling if it stops being fun or if you feel stressed or upset
Dr. Max Doshay, co-founder of Monima Wellness Center, recognizes the need to set boundaries and highlights the importance of identifying and understanding triggers for gambling behavior.
Medical advisor
DClinPsych
Resources and help for problem gambling
People who have developed issues due to their gambling habits may wish to seek professional advice and support to reduce or stop gambling. Various interventions are available, including behavioral therapies, which can help people recognize and alter harmful gambling behaviors.
Medical advisor
DClinPsych
Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can also be a helpful tool for people wanting to overcome problematic gambling behaviors.
