Concerns are mounting over the rise of gambling addiction across the United States, sparked by the explosive growth of legalized sports betting following the Supreme Court's landmark decision to strike down the federal ban on sports wagering. Researchers from the University of California San Diego have found dramatic increases in help-seeking behavior related to gambling addiction, highlighting the potential public health crisis resulting from easier access to sports betting.
The Supreme Court ruling on May 14, 2018, effectively allowed states to dictate their own gambling regulations, resulting in a surge of sports betting establishments from just one—Nevada—to 38 by mid-2024. This seismic shift coincided with staggering growth of sports wagering, which jumped from $4.9 billion to more than $121 billion over the same period. With this growth, there has been an undeniable increase in the number of individuals seeking help for gambling addiction. According to the study, inquiries relating to gambling addiction, such as 'am I addicted to gambling,' surged by 23% from 2018 to June 2024.
Specific states led the way with even sharper increases. Ohio experienced the highest spike at 67%, followed by Pennsylvania at 50% and Massachusetts at 47%. The study indicated the introduction of online sports betting caused much greater rises in searches for gambling help compared to brick-and-mortar establishments. For example, Pennsylvania saw help-related search queries increase by 61% after the introduction of online sportsbooks, compared to just 33% with brick-and-mortar outlets.
Despite these alarming trends, funding for gambling addiction treatment has not kept pace with the demand. On average, states have allocated about $3.1 million annually to tackle gambling addiction. Yet, this figure is skewed significantly by Massachusetts, which alone committed $22.6 million to tackle the issue, leaving many other states with budgets of less than $1 million. Alarmingly, 20 states dedicated under $400,000 to address gambling addiction, even after reaping substantial tax revenues from this burgeoning industry.
John Ayers, the study’s lead author and vice chief of innovation at UC San Diego School of Medicine, highlighted these discrepancies by stating, "What the heck are we doing here? We have this huge health implication and nobody's talking about it." His concern is echoed by others advocating for state lawmakers to pay closer attention to the mental health ramifications of legalized sports betting.
The health practitioners' community also has been criticized for its inadequate response to gambling addiction. A dearth of trained professionals familiar with treating such disorders compounds the issue, as both Ayers and his co-researchers pointed out. "There’s virtually no medications approved by the FDA to treat gambling disorders," Ayers stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The potential dangers of untreated gambling addiction are manifold. Individuals battling this addiction often experience detrimental effects on their mental health—conditions such as depression, anxiety, or even suicidality. This disorder also closely mimics substance use disorders, as it triggers the brain’s reward system, similar to how drugs and alcohol do, resulting in behavioral dependency and compulsive gambling patterns. Researchers note chronic gambling addiction is linked to heightened health risks like hypertension and tachycardia and can also lead to dire social consequences such as bankruptcy or homelessness.
These findings resonate with James Whelan, executive director of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research. He noted the shift toward seeking help, stating, "These findings are not surprising to me." Whelan has observed significant changes over the past two years, noting his clinics report 55% to 60% of clients identify sports wagering as their primary gambling behavior.
The study has compelled experts to call for stronger coalescence between state public health agencies and legislative bodies to address the dilemma effectively. The medical community has been criticized for its historical 'blind spots' about gambling addiction, with only 59 studies reported to federal databases since the legalization trend began. This neglect can lead to insufficient strategies for those struggling with gambling addiction.
With the sporting community's noticeable embrace of betting as part of the culture—visible through pervasive advertisements and discussions about betting—the normalization of gambling behavior will likely continue to rise. Many advocates assert this public health issue deserves more attention and resources, pointing to the ever-increasing statistics as evidence for urgency. Researchers recommend establishing mandatory assessments during the legislative processes to evaluate the health consequences associated with expanded sports betting.
While states may view legalized sports betting as lucrative avenues for tax revenue, the health of their constituents must not be disregarded. The general public requires not only awareness but also pathways to seek help. With peak search volumes related to gambling addiction continuing to climb—180,000 monthly searches recorded alone by June 2023—it's clear this issue is not merely statistical. The human cost of gambling addiction is rising, and without proactive responses from policymakers and health professionals alike, the toll could become dire.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, it's important to seek assistance. Help is available through organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER.