AMA Journal Raises Concerns Over Problem Gambling Amid Sports Betting Boom

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has issued a new report about the growing link between sports betting and gambling addiction, citing the rapid expansion of the industry as a key factor in rising problem gambling cases.

Explosive Growth in Sports Betting

In just a few years, sports betting has expanded to 38 states, with the total amount wagered skyrocketing from under $5 billion in 2017 to over $120 billion in 2023. Analysts predict continued double-digit growth in the near future.

The study examined Google search trends for gambling addiction, comparing search volumes before and after the Murphy vs. NCAA ruling, which paved the way for legalized sports betting. Notably, the study found that 94% of legal sports bets are placed via mobile devices.

Key findings from the study include:

• New York: Gambling addiction-related searches increased 47%

• New Jersey: Up 34%

• Pennsylvania: Up 50%

• Massachusetts: Up 47% since 2017

Does Search Data Reflect a True Increase in Problem Gambling?

Some experts caution against drawing direct conclusions, noting that overall Google search volume has more than doubled in the past decade. Additionally, since most sports betting now happens on mobile, it stands to reason that those seeking help would also turn to Google, potentially skewing the data.

Still, the JAMA study is part of a growing body of research suggesting that online gambling, particularly sports betting, may be driving an increase in problem gambling. Especially among young men.

According to the American Psychological Association:

• 5% of young gamblers develop a gambling disorder, with a 2 to 1 ratio of male to female cases.

• More than 10% of young sports bettors have considered suicide.

• 60–80% of high school students report gambling in the past year, often introduced through loot boxes in video games.

Financial Consequences of Expanded Gambling

A separate study by USC and UCLA found that in states that recently legalized online gambling or sports betting:

• Average credit scores dropped by 0.3%.

• Credit card delinquency rates rose 8%.

• Auto loan delinquencies increased 9%.

• Bankruptcy risk surged 25%.

Regulation vs. Prohibition: The Path Forward

Hardly a month passes without a new scientific study highlighting the potential harms of sports betting, frequently making headlines. However, often overlooked in these reports is the fact that illegal sports betting, both online and offline, has been widely accessible in the country for over two decades.

One of the key arguments for legalizing sports betting was the ability to implement safeguards and support systems for those at risk of developing gambling problems. Tax revenue from regulated operators could be directed toward problem gambling treatment, public awareness campaigns, and studies that aim to identify at-risk individuals and understand the underlying causes.

Pushing sports betting back into the shadows by restricting or banning it would not eliminate access to gambling. Instead, it would likely force vulnerable individuals to seek out unregulated platforms that lack responsible gaming tools, consumer protections, and access to treatment services that are now available through legal and state-monitored channels.

A more effective path forward involves increasing public education on the risks of gambling, similar to the approach taken to reduce smoking rates. At the same time, stricter regulations on advertising, especially those targeting minors, remain a pressing concern that both lawmakers and the industry must address.

Recognizing the stakes, online gambling operators are stepping up efforts to promote responsible gaming, limit aggressive marketing, and allocate greater resources to addiction research and treatment. With billions of dollars on the line for both the industry and state governments, meaningful self-regulation is no longer just a matter of corporate responsibility. It is an essential step in preventing federal intervention.