More Americans now see Sports Betting as bad for society
Published:
Oct 17, 2025
,
06:17 p.m.
ET
In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting. The change rapidly transformed both the gambling industry and public attitudes toward it. But new Pew Research Center data suggests that positive views are fading. A growing number of Americans now say legalized sports betting is a bad thing for society and for sports.
Once framed as casual entertainment and ways to boost state revenues, sports betting has instead brought an escalation of gambling-related harms, from financial distress and debt to an erosion of trust in the integrity of athletic competitions.
Key takeaways from new Pew Research Center survey
The Pew Research Center survey, conducted in July and August 2025 with nearly 10,000 U.S. adult respondents, found that 43% of Americans now view the spread of legal sports betting as bad, up from 34% in 2022. Likewise, 40% believe it has a negative impact on sports themselves, up from 33% in 2022.
Despite this shift, participation in sports betting remains steady, and how people are betting is key to understanding why. About 22% of adults reported placing a bet within the past year, via friends, casinos or online sportsbooks.
Online betting has surged: 10% of adults placed a wager online in the past year, compared with just 6% in 2022. This increase reflects greater accessibility and normalization of gambling through advertising, endorsements and real-time betting apps embedded into sports culture.
The data also reveal how perceptions differ across demographics. 47% of men under 30 now say sports betting is bad for society, more than double the 22% who said so in 2022. 35% of women under 30 now view it negatively (up from 25%).
Concerns cut across political lines, as both Democrats and Republicans increasingly aligned on the issue.
Although sports betting has become a substantial source of state revenue, several professional and college athletes have been disciplined in recent years for betting-related violations. Pew notes that it’s also fueling growing public concern over addiction, financial instability and integrity in sports.
Changes in public perception of gambling in the U.S.
In just seven years, sports betting has evolved from largely taboo to mainstream, and it has become a societal concern in the process.
Addiction specialists and behavioral health professionals have warned accessibility breeds risk since the outset of legalization. When gambling becomes as easy as opening an app, exposure and harm rise exponentially.
The increase in advertising, especially during live sports broadcasts, has made gambling part of the viewing experience for millions of Americans, which includes underage audiences.
As awareness spreads, public health conversations are beginning to move beyond revenue and regulation, focusing instead on prevention, treatment and accountability.
Gambling Addiction rising in America
Rising concern over sports betting aligns with data on gambling harm itself. Gambling addiction is increasing nationwide, particularly in newly legalized states.
Recent statistics reveal troubling trends:
28% of U.S. adults gamble online daily, placing tens of millions at risk for addiction.
Nearly one in four sports bettors (24.9%) have failed to pay bills because of gambling.
States newly legalizing sports betting have seen helpline calls jump as much as 973% (in Virginia) and 227% (in Ohio).
Bankruptcy filings in states with online betting are up to 30% higher than in non-online states.
Suicidality among problem gamblers is estimated between 17-39%, making it among the most life-threatening addictions.
These numbers point to a national mental health crisis emerging before our eyes. And while the revenue generated by sportsbooks and state taxes continues to grow, so does the number of families in financial ruin, relationships under strain and lives disrupted.
Treatment options for gambling addiction
Awareness of the issue alone isn’t enough. Those impacted by gambling addiction need to know about accessible, insurance-covered treatment with specially certified counselors.
Birches Health offers the leading gambling recovery program in the country, using evidence-based treatment methods for combatting gambling disorder. Birches’ licensed clinicians specialize in supporting the emotional, behavioral and financial aspects of gambling harm.
Whether you’ve noticed the early warning signs of problem gambling or are already facing financial distress, help is available. Recovery can begin with one simple step.
Connect with Birches Health today:
