New Problem Gambling Stats in Massachusetts are Concerning

Massachusetts is grappling with an alarming trend: since legal sports betting launched in early 2023, there has been a clear rise in problem gambling behaviors among regular players. According to data from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) team, those who gamble monthly or more often are experiencing more intense betting activity, higher rates of gambling-related harms and increasingly negative attitudes toward the industry.

The findings, presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in July 2025, align with national trends conveying how the rapid expansion of sports betting can create financial, relational and mental health challenges for vulnerable populations. It also further illustrates the sobering picture of legalized gambling’s impact in the Commonwealth.

Key takeaways from new gambling research by UMass

The SEIGMA research team conducted two online surveys in spring and fall 2024, comparing results with earlier data from 2022 and 2023. While the trends can’t be generalized to all Massachusetts residents, these insights into the behaviors and attitudes of monthly gamblers are valuable.

Problem gambling rates are climbing

Among monthly gamblers, the proportion experiencing gambling problems rose from 20.9% in 2022, to 25.6% in 2023, and reaching 28% by fall 2024. This rise coincides with the state’s introduction of legalized sports betting.

Financial and relationship problems have surged

Financial harms jumped from 18% in 2022 to 25% in fall 2024. Relationship harms nearly doubled, from 13.9% to 27.2% over the same period. These figures suggest that the consequences of gambling now extend far beyond the individual player.

Attitudes toward gambling are shifting

The portion of monthly gamblers who believe gambling harms outweigh the benefits increased from 48% in 2022 to 53% in 2023, and up again to 56% in fall 2024. UMass researcher Rachel Volberg attributes this change at least partly to the intense marketing and media coverage surrounding sports betting’s rollout.

Sports betting participation is growing

Past-year sports betting among all survey respondents rose from 16.7% in March 2022 (before legalization) to 26.9% in March 2023, and up again to 32.6% in 2024. Among monthly gamblers, weekly sports betting climbed from 18.9% in 2022 to 26.3% in fall 2024.

Social betting declining, legal betting rising

Social sports betting rates dropped from 49.3% of monthly gamblers in 2022 to 32.2% in fall 2024, while legal sportsbook participation increased. Exclusive illegal betting fell from 13.5% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023, with a slight uptick to 8.3% in 2024.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission says these trends underscore the need for stronger consumer protections and harm-reduction policies, particularly for sports bettors.

Combined with other new research, there is cause for concern

Massachusetts’ troubling statistics are not isolated.

A U.S. News & World Report survey of 1,200 recent sports bettors found:

• Nearly 25% missed at least one bill payment due to gambling.
  
  

• 30% have gambling-related debt, with over half owing $500 or more.
  
  

• More than 15% took out personal loans, and 12% used payday loans to fund bets.
  
  

• Over half carry credit card balances, and 45% have no emergency savings.
  
  

• 25% worry about their ability to stop gambling, while 1 in 10 have sought treatment.
  
  

• More than 21% admitted to verbally abusing an athlete after a losing bet

Meanwhile, a national survey on gambling addiction found that 8% of U.S. adults (roughly 20 million people) experienced at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior “many times” in the past year. Risk factors included:

• Frequent gambling (weekly or more)
  
  

• Participation in multiple gambling types
  
  

• Belief that gambling is a good way to make money
  
  

• Engagement in online or sports/fantasy betting
  
  

• Being male and under age 35
  
  

Help for gambling addiction in Massachusetts and across the U.S.

The rise in problem gambling rates, both in Massachusetts and nationally, is telling of the urgent need for prevention, early intervention and accessible treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, sports betting or related financial distress, professional help is available.

Birches Health offers expert, virtual care for individuals facing gambling addiction, sports betting problems or day trading compulsions. Our licensed clinicians specialize in helping clients regain control, repair relationships and restore financial stability.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, specialized support is available. Birches Health provides expert, virtual care tailored for individuals struggling with gambling, sports betting or day trading. 

Take the first step toward recovery with Birches Health today:

• Call 833-483-3838
  
  

• Book a clinical assessment with a specialist
  
  

• Email help@bircheshealth.com