Record Sports-Betting Growth Linked to Surge in Gambling Addictions
Americans are placing more legal sports bets than ever, with the American Gaming Association (AGA) reporting a 23.6 percent rise in 2024 alone. However, this boom in betting — which saw U.S. sports wagers reach a staggering $147.9 billion — has brought with it a considerable increase in severe gambling addictions.
A New Era of Wagering
Seven years ago, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling states to legalize sports betting. Since then, 38 states and the District of Columbia have authorized some form of wagering. Rapid adoption has fueled skyrocketing revenues:
- Massachusetts saw a 40 percent rise in sports-betting earnings last year.
- Illinois leapfrogged New Jersey to become the second-largest market for sports-betting revenue, behind only New York.
- Overall, U.S. sports-betting revenue reached $13.71 billion in 2024, a 25.4 percent year-over-year increase, per the AGA.
That momentum could surge further as two of the most populous states, California and Texas, have yet to legalize sports betting.
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Consequences of Explosive Growth
This explosion in accessible wagering is closely linked to a spike in gambling-related problems. Calls to state gambling helplines provide a stark measure:
- Virginia reported a 973 percent jump in helpline calls from 2019 to 2023.
- Florida saw its calls increase by 138 percent in just the first two months of availability.
- New Jersey reported a 277 percent uptick in helpline outreach since legalizing sports betting in 2018.
According to Birches Health, gambling addiction rates in New Jersey males aged 18-20 hover around 10 percent, compared with the national average of about 3 percent. Alongside that, researchers have observed links between legal betting and higher rates of irresponsible spending, gambling-related bankruptcies, criminal activity, and even intimate partner violence.
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Industry Evolution and Support Services
David Forman, AGA vice president of research, notes that the industry “looks very different than it used to,” thanks to billions in revenue flooding in. Traditional support channels such as Gamblers Anonymous continue, but additional organizations have emerged to address the growing need for treatment and counseling.
One example is Kindbridge Behavioral Health and Birches Health, which provide certified gambling-disorder counselors nationwide. Telehealth services — often covered by insurance — reduce travel inconvenience and expenses, lowering barriers for those seeking help.
As sports betting spreads into more states, experts caution that public awareness must keep pace, ensuring resources are available and accessible for those who develop problem gambling behaviors. With the industry continuing to expand, stakeholders across the board — from lawmakers to treatment providers — are working to balance consumer demand with responsible-gaming measures.
