Following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, sports betting has experienced unprecedented growth, transforming from a niche activity to a mainstream phenomenon. This shift has coincided with a significant rise in individuals seeking help for gambling addiction. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address this emerging public health concern.

Addressing the Growing Crisis: Proactive Measures for Gambling Addiction

Rapid Expansion of Sports Betting

The landscape of sports betting has undergone a seismic shift since the landmark 2018 Supreme Court decision. This ruling paved the way for states to legalize sportsbooks, leading to an explosive expansion. From a single state, sports betting has now spread to 38 states, with billions of dollars wagered annually. The transition to online platforms has been particularly pronounced, with 94% of bets placed digitally by 2023. This digital transformation has made sports betting more accessible than ever before, embedding it deeply into the cultural fabric.The normalization of sports betting is evident in its omnipresence. Advertising campaigns saturate media channels, social media feeds are inundated with betting promotions, and even in-game commentary frequently references odds and wagers. What was once considered a fringe activity has become a mainstream pastime, raising concerns about its broader societal impact.

Increase in Gambling Addiction Help-Seeking Behavior

As sports betting has surged, so too has the demand for assistance with gambling addiction. Researchers analyzed Google search trends from 2016 to mid-2024, focusing on queries related to gambling, addiction, and help-seeking behavior. The data revealed a striking 23% increase in searches for gambling addiction help following the Supreme Court ruling. At its peak, these searches numbered approximately 180,000 per month, indicating a substantial unmet need for support.States that legalized sports betting saw particularly notable increases in help-seeking behavior. Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia all reported at least a 30% rise in demand for gambling addiction services. Ohio, for instance, witnessed a staggering 67% increase. The study also highlighted that online gamblers were more likely to seek help compared to those who frequented traditional brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. This trend underscores the unique challenges posed by digital betting platforms.

Mitigating the Risks of Sports Betting

To address the growing crisis, experts have proposed several measures aimed at mitigating the risks associated with sports betting. Increased funding for addiction services, sourced from sportsbook tax revenues, could bolster treatment and prevention efforts. Enhanced advertising regulations, similar to those governing tobacco and alcohol, would limit exposure to vulnerable populations. Clinical training programs for healthcare professionals would improve diagnosis and treatment of gambling addiction.Additional recommendations include implementing betting limits, age restrictions, enforced breaks, and prohibiting the use of credit cards for online wagers. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate individuals about the risks and warning signs of gambling addiction, encouraging early intervention. Ongoing data sharing and research collaborations will be crucial in refining policies and identifying effective interventions.

Calls for Legislative Action

The rapid legalization of sports betting by the Supreme Court has outpaced legislative oversight, leaving regulatory gaps that must be addressed. Congress is urged to pass commonsense safeguards to prevent gambling-related harms. History has shown that unchecked industries, such as tobacco and opioids, can inflict immense damage before regulations catch up. Proactive steps are necessary to avoid repeating past mistakes.The National Council on Problem Gambling supports legislation like the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act, which would establish federal funding for problem gambling treatment, prevention, and research. Half of the federal sports betting excise tax would be directed toward these critical initiatives, ensuring that resources are available to combat the growing crisis.