Public awareness of legalized sports wagering has increased dramatically in recent years—and so has the belief that it harms both society and sports themselves, according to recent national survey data.
Growing Concerns
Research from a major national survey reveals a significant shift in public opinion. Today, 43% of American adults believe widespread legal sports betting negatively impacts society—up from 34% just three years ago. Similarly, 40% now view it as harmful to sports, compared to 33% previously.
Despite these increasingly critical perspectives, many Americans continue viewing legal sports betting as having neither negative nor positive effects on society or sports. Fewer than one in five perceive any benefits.
The survey examined 9,916 U.S. adults’ views and experiences with sports betting, revealing evolving attitudes amid the practice’s rapid expansion across the country.
The Betting Boom Continues
Meanwhile, personal participation rates have remained relatively stable since earlier measurements. Currently, 22% of adults report betting money on sports within the past year—a slight increase from 19% three years ago.
This figure encompasses three betting methods:
- Wagering with friends or family through private pools, fantasy leagues, or casual bets
- Online betting via apps, sportsbooks, or casino platforms
- In-person betting at casinos, racetracks, or betting kiosks
All growth has occurred through online sports betting: 10% of adults now report placing online bets within the past year, up from 6% previously. Rates for betting with family and friends or at physical locations have remained unchanged.
The Rapid Expansion
Commercial sports betting has spread quickly across America following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that permitted states to legalize it. At least 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico now permit commercial sports betting in some capacity, according to legislative tracking.
Public awareness reflects this expansion. Currently, 63% of adults report having heard or read about legal sports betting in much of the country—up from 56% three years ago. This increased awareness coincides with betting advertisements becoming ubiquitous during sports broadcasts.
Widespread Shift Across Demographics
Since the previous measurement, Americans across numerous demographic categories have become more likely to view widespread sports betting legalization as harmful to society and sports.
This pattern holds true for:
- Both men and women
- College graduates and non-graduates
- Upper, middle, and lower-income households
- Democrats and Republicans
- Those who have personally placed sports bets and those who haven’t
Some of the most dramatic shifts have occurred among young Americans—particularly young men. Today, 47% of men under 30 view legal sports betting as harmful to society, compared to just 22% three years ago. Young women have also shifted: 35% now see it as societally harmful, up from 25%.
The Context Behind Changing Views
Sports betting legalization has generated revenue for state governments and gambling operators, but it has also raised serious concerns about gambling addiction and other societal harms. Critics have additionally cautioned that it may compromise sports integrity. Recent years have seen multiple professional and college athletes and team personnel face punishment for violating betting rules.
Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision, at least 20 professional athletes across major U.S. sports leagues—along with one coach and one umpire—have faced disciplinary action for violating gambling policies. All but four of these cases occurred in the most recent two years.
Who’s Betting?
As with previous measurements, certain groups report higher rates of sports betting:
By Age: Young adults are most likely to bet. Some 31% of adults under 30 report betting on sports in the past year, including 36% of men and 29% of women in this age group. Betting is less common in all older age categories.
By Race and Ethnicity: Black and Hispanic adults show particularly high betting rates: 30% and 27%, respectively, report betting on sports in the past year. Roughly one in five Asian (22%) and White (19%) adults report the same.
By Education and Income: No significant differences exist between college graduates and non-graduates—22% in each group report betting on sports in the past year. Similarly, partisan differences are minimal: 24% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents report betting, as do 22% of Republicans and Republican leaners.
Online Betting Patterns
For online sports betting specifically, young adults and Black Americans again stand out.
Overall, 17% of adults under 30—including 21% of men and 16% of women—report placing online wagers in the past year. Three years ago, just 7% of those under 30 had done so—including 9% of men and 6% of women.
Among Black adults, 19% report placing online sports bets in the past year, up from 10% previously. Smaller proportions of Hispanic (12%), Asian (11%), and White (8%) adults report online betting in the past year.
The Takeaway
As sports betting continues expanding across America, public opinion is shifting noticeably toward skepticism. The data reveals growing concerns about societal and sports-related impacts, even as participation rates remain relatively steady. The most dramatic opinion shifts have occurred among the demographic groups most likely to bet: young adults, particularly young men.
This evolving sentiment suggests Americans are beginning to grapple with the real-world consequences of widespread sports betting legalization, even as the industry continues its rapid expansion.
