New Data: Big Spikes in U.S. Problem Gambling, Betting
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We may recognize how prevalent the rapid expansion of online sports betting is across the United States, but a new Siena Research Institute’s 2026 survey puts it into context with concrete numbers you can feel. According to recent findings, participation is rising steadily, especially among younger men, while indicators of problematic gambling behaviors are also increasing.
What stands out isn’t just how many people are betting. It’s what’s happening alongside it. More people are chasing losses, spending more in a day and feeling worse about it afterward. And more friends, family and partners are beginning to notice.
Findings from Siena Research Institute Survey
More than a quarter of Americans (27%) report having an active online sportsbook account, with usage even higher among men ages 18-49 (52%). One-third of Americans say they have opened an account at some point.
Beyond participation, the behavioral patterns are where things get more serious. 60% of bettors say they have chased their losses, meaning they have increased their bets to recover losses. This is an 8% increase from last year.
It’s the same story with spending. 63% of bettors report wagering at least $100 in a single day, which is not casual for a lot of people, but is indicative of trends in recent years.
The internal and emotional side doesn’t look much better. Many people already feel they are overdoing it. 42% say they feel they bet more than they should, and 43% report feeling bad or ashamed after losing. That mix is pretty familiar territory in addiction patterns.
Then there’s what others are seeing. Nearly one-third (31%) of bettors say someone has expressed concern about their gambling habits, which is up from 23% in 2025 and 22% in 2024. The issue isn’t so invisible anymore, which is honestly for the best because hopefully it motivates individuals to seek out help.
In fact, one number that stands out is 15% of bettors say they have contacted a helpline or sought treatment, compared to just 9% in previous years. Obviously, in a perfect world, we want to reduce the number of people who need to seek help, and maybe this stat indicates things are only getting worse. On the other hand, as things currently stand, at a time when this is all pretty new, it could also mean people are starting to recognize the problem earlier.
Awareness of treatment is crucial right now, and it’s not just important for bettors. A little more than 1 in 5 Americans say they know someone who’s had a problem with online sports betting.
There’s also a shift in how people feel about the industry itself. 53% of respondents don’t want to see sportsbook ads during games. 56% think betting could corrupt sports. And 67% want tighter regulation.
So even as participation grows, the comfort level with how it’s all playing out seems to be slipping.
Other recent research results
The Siena survey lines up with what we’re seeing elsewhere, especially with younger groups.
Recent findings on underage gambling trends and risks show that kids and teens are being exposed to betting long before they’re legally allowed to participate.
Moreover, additional research on gambling behaviors among underage boys highlights elevated participation and more risk-taking patterns within this group.
None of this is happening in a vacuum. Sports betting is woven into sports culture now. Odds are on the screen, commentary includes spread prediction and ads reign constantly. It’s becoming completely intertwined, and younger audiences who never developed a pure relationship with sports are now subject to this betting-invasive landscape.
Gambling Addiction treatment options in the U.S.
A lot of people who struggle with gambling don’t get help right away. Some don’t think it’s bad enough. Others don’t want to deal with the stigma. Or they just don’t know where to go. That’s part of why online treatment has become more important.
Birches Health offers gambling addiction care that’s fully remote and confidential. No waiting rooms. No travel. You can do it from home.
Support isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people start with one-on-one therapy. Others benefit from group sessions or talking with peers who’ve been through something similar. For some, it makes sense to bring in family or a partner and work through the impact together.
If gambling has started to feel like it’s getting out of hand, it’s worth paying attention to that. You don’t need to wait for things to get worse.
Reach out to Birches Health today:
Email help@bircheshealth.com
