Impact of Legalization on Gambling Addiction

Over time, the perception of gambling addiction has shifted, with the stigma it once carried significantly diminished. This change is largely due to the concerted efforts of clinicians, researchers, medical professionals, and the gambling industry itself, who are actively engaging in public discussions about the issue.

However, a notable shift occurred following the 2018 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This decision, which came after a protracted legal battle spearheaded by New Jersey, has coincided with a 23% increase in searches for the term ‘gambling addiction’ over the subsequent years.

Rise in Gambling Addiction Searches Following Legalization

These trends were highlighted in a study published by the American Medical Association’s journal, JAMA Internal Medicine, which analyzed Google search data from 2016 to 2024. The research focused on searches for terms such as ‘gambling,’ ‘addiction,’ ‘addict,’ and ‘anonymous hotline’ to assess the impact of federal legalization and the widespread adoption of sports gambling across nearly 40 states.

The journal’s analysis revealed that between 6.5 million and 7.3 million searches were made nationwide by individuals seeking assistance for gambling-related issues. Particularly significant increases in calls for help were observed in states like Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with rises ranging from 30% to 67%.

Similar patterns were noted in other regions as well. For instance, Florida’s gambling helpline experienced a surge in activity. In 2020, the helpline received 19,167 calls, but following the full launch of Hard Rock Bet, calls skyrocketed to 62,753 in 2024 alone.

This trend is not unexpected, as evidence suggests that while the legalization of sports gambling was partly intended to reduce the influence of offshore betting markets, this objective has been met with mixed results. Although enforcement actions have successfully targeted illegal operations, the surge of legitimate gambling options has also led to an increase in individuals seeking help for gambling-related issues.

The Influence of Online Gambling on Addiction

One crucial aspect noted by the study is the role of online gambling in exacerbating addictive behaviors. When sports betting was confined to physical locations, the rise in related searches was more modest, with an increase of around 33% in states like Pennsylvania. However, the introduction of online sports betting caused searches to soar by 61%, underscoring concerns that online gambling can amplify the risks associated with problematic gambling behaviors.