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Since the landmark 2018 Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court ruling, which allowed states to legalize sports betting, a significant rise in online searches related to gambling addiction has been observed across the U.S. A recent study published in the American Medical Association’s journal highlights the dramatic increase in search queries related to gambling help, showing a clear correlation between the growth of legal sports betting and gambling concerns.
According to the study, gambling-related searches across the U.S. have surged by 23%, jumping from 6.5 million to 7.3 million searches between 2018 and 2024. Researchers analyzed online search queries for terms like “gambling addiction,” “gambling addiction hotline,” and “gambling anonymous.” Notably, states that have legalized online sports betting have seen a particularly sharp increase in searches. Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan saw rises of 35%, 47%, and 37%, respectively, while New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia also experienced notable increases, with Ohio seeing a 67% jump in addiction-related searches.
The study revealed that online sportsbooks have had a far greater impact on addiction-related searches than retail sportsbooks. In Pennsylvania, for instance, searches for gambling addiction increased by 33% after retail sportsbooks were introduced. However, after online sportsbooks launched, the number of searches spiked by 61% and remained high for over a year. Atharva Yeola, the study’s lead author, stated, “The significantly higher search volumes observed in all eight states make it virtually impossible that our findings occurred by chance.”
The legalization of sports betting has dramatically changed the landscape of gambling in the U.S. As of 2024, 38 states have operational sportsbooks, with online betting making up 94% of the total wagers. In fact, the amount wagered has risen sharply from $4.9 billion in 2017 to over $121 billion in 2023.
These findings underscore the pressing need for attention to gambling addiction prevention, especially in states with expanding online sports betting markets. The increasing availability of gambling opportunities has led to a heightened demand for resources and support for those affected by gambling addiction.