Experts Urge Immediate Action on Rising Sports Gambling Concerns in the U.S.

In a recent virtual discussion hosted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, experts highlighted the escalating risks associated with the rapid expansion of sports gambling in the United States. The panel, moderated by WBZ-TV journalist Laura Haefeli, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gambling-related harms.

It’s essentially written into our DNA

Timothy Fong, Co-Director of the UCLA Problem Gambling Studies Program, noted that gambling has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. He stated, “It’s essentially written into our DNA.” Shekhar Saxena, an adjunct professor of global mental health at the Chan School, added that the gambling industry has capitalized on this inherent interest by making gambling activities “seamless” and easily accessible. Saxena pointed out that individuals can now engage in gambling within minutes, highlighting the industry’s effective use of technology and marketing strategies.

The panelists expressed concern over the increase in gambling-related harms, particularly following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This landmark ruling allowed states to legalize sports betting, leading to its widespread adoption. Currently, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., with at least 27 of those allowing online wagers.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 2.5 million Americans suffer from severe gambling problems, a number that experts fear may rise as sports betting becomes more prevalent.

Lia Nower, Director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University, emphasized that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy gambling behaviors. Victor Ortiz, Director of the Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services, noted that even well-educated and financially stable professionals are at risk of gambling addiction.

The panelists called for federal intervention to enhance protections for individuals at risk of gambling-related harms. They advocated for measures such as increased funding for responsible gambling initiatives and treatment programs, stricter advertising regulations, and the implementation of harm reduction strategies. Harm reduction focuses on meeting individuals where they are, aiming to minimize the negative consequences of gambling without necessarily discouraging the activity entirely.

The discussion underscored the importance of proactive efforts to mitigate the public health impacts of the expanding gambling landscape in the U.S. As gambling becomes more accessible, especially through online platforms, the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent addiction and support affected individuals becomes increasingly critical.

Gambling in the U.S.: The Broader Perspective

Gambling is a prevalent activity in the United States, with approximately 60% of adults participating in some form of gambling annually. This widespread engagement contributes significantly to the economy, as evidenced by the national commercial gross gaming revenue reaching $66.65 billion in 2023. The majority of this revenue is generated by casino slots and table games, which accounted for about three-quarters of the total gross gaming revenue that year.

The legal landscape of gambling in the U.S. has evolved notably in recent years. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned the federal ban on sports betting, numerous states have legalized sports gambling. As of 2025, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., with at least 27 of those allowing online wagers. This expansion has led to a significant rise in betting activity, with total wagers reaching about $150 billion in 2024.

Despite the economic benefits and increased state revenues from legalized gambling, there is growing concern about the associated public health implications. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that about 2.5 million adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for severe gambling problems, with an additional 5 million to 8 million exhibiting mild or moderate gambling issues.

Alarmingly, only around 8% of individuals with gambling problems seek help, highlighting a significant gap in treatment and awareness.

Certain demographics are more susceptible to gambling addiction. A recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University revealed that 10% of young men in the U.S. display behaviors indicative of gambling addiction, compared to just 3% of the general population. This trend is particularly concerning given the aggressive marketing of online gambling platforms and the accessibility of mobile betting apps, which often target younger audiences.

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