Online Searches for Gambling Addiction Surge as Legalized Sports Betting Expands: Study
Internet searches seeking help for gambling addiction have "increased substantially" as the number of states with legalized sports betting has expanded in recent years, prompting a need for more public health awareness, according to a study released Monday.
Study Finds Increase in Online Searches for Gambling Addiction Help
The findings "suggest that sportsbooks pose a substantial health concern," researchers at the University of California, San Diego, and Bryn Mawr College wrote in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
A Growing Concern
The study comes as legalized sports betting has exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that broke up Nevada’s monopoly on the practice and cleared the way for state-sponsored sports gambling.
Increasing Search Volume
Researchers analyzed monthly Google searches surrounding gambling addiction, such as for "gambling addiction hotline" or "am I a gambling addict," and found that there were cumulatively 23% more searches nationally than expected since the Supreme Court ruling.
Increased Searches in States with Legalized Sports Betting
Researchers also conducted independent evaluations in eight states — Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — where there were "significantly more searches than expected."
The Need for Public Health Awareness
The researchers concluded that the uptick in online searches signifies the need for public health officials to stay in front of the issue of gambling addiction, including through research and a comprehensive health care response.
Legislation to Address Gambling Addiction
This month, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., reintroduced legislation that would provide the first-ever dedicated federal funding for nationwide gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and research efforts.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of addressing gambling addiction as a public health concern. As legalized sports betting continues to expand, it is crucial to stay ahead of the issue and provide resources for those affected by gambling addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current state of legalized sports betting in the United States?
- Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C. allow for sports betting in some form, whether at a physical establishment or online.
- How did the study find the number of online searches for gambling addiction help?
- The study found a 23% increase in online searches nationally since the Supreme Court ruling.
- What is being done to address gambling addiction?
- Legislation has been reintroduced to provide dedicated federal funding for nationwide gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and research efforts.
