The Dark Side of the Sportsbook: As Sports Betting Expands, Online Searches for Gambling Addiction Soar
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the federal ban on sports betting, the landscape of the gaming industry has undergone a seismic shift. What was once a niche activity has transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry, with major sports leagues and casinos clamoring to cash in on the action. But as Americans increasingly turn to online sportsbooks to place their bets, a growing concern is emerging: the alarming rise in online searches for gambling addiction.
The Rise of Online Searches for Gambling Addiction Help
According to a recent study, the number of states with legalized sports betting has led to a substantial increase in online searches for help with gambling addiction. This trend is a worrying sign, prompting calls for greater public health awareness and a more comprehensive response to the issue.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed monthly Google searches related to gambling addiction, such as “gambling addiction hotline” or “am I a gambling addict.” The researchers found that there were cumulatively 23% more searches nationally than expected since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for state-sponsored sports gambling.
Between 2021 and 2023, the number of searches increased year over year, with a peak of 180,000 monthly searches in June 2023. This trend is likely to continue, with the American Gaming Association estimating that Americans wagered an estimated $1.4 billion in the 2024 Super Bowl, up from $1.25 billion in 2023.
A Growing Concern
The study’s findings suggest that sportsbooks pose a substantial health concern, and a paradigm shift in how regulatory frameworks and health organizations collaborate to address the complexities of gambling harms is needed. The National Council on Problem Gambling, a nonprofit organization that operates the national helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, has expressed concern about the growing number of states legalizing sports betting.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., have reintroduced legislation that would provide the first-ever dedicated federal funding for nationwide gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and research efforts. The bill, which is supported by the National Council on Problem Gambling, would set aside 50% of the federal sports excise tax revenue for gambling addiction treatment and research.
The Normalization of Sports Betting
The proliferation of sports betting companies in television and social media advertising has normalized a once-taboo activity. Major casino operators are rebranding to emphasize sports betting, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Matthew Allen, a co-author of the study, notes that the increased visibility of sports betting has contributed to the rise in online searches for help with gambling addiction. “Each state’s cumulative increase in searches was higher than the aggregate national model, and their peak month typically occurred during 2024, suggesting that searches are continuing to rise following the opening of sportsbooks,” Allen said.
A Call to Action
The study’s findings highlight the need for public health officials to stay in front of the issue of gambling addiction. Researchers conclude that prompt measures are essential to prevent the escalation of gambling-related harm and its long-term consequences.
The National Council on Problem Gambling has expressed support for the legislation, citing the need for dedicated federal funding for nationwide gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and research efforts. “The growing legalization of sports betting coupled with the ability to place bets from your phone whenever you want have created the perfect storm for gambling addiction — resulting in a severe public health crisis,” Blumenthal said.
Other Health Concerns
In other health and wellness news, heart failure deaths are rising, partly due to medical successes that enable people to live longer. According to The New York Times, deaths from heart failure have been climbing steadily nationwide since 2012, wiping out earlier declines.
Rising rates of metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure are likely contributing to the increase in heart failure deaths. There are medications to treat one of the two main types of heart failure, but they aren’t used as much as they should be, doctors said.
Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment
A woman treated with a pioneering type of immunotherapy for a solid tumor has been in remission for more than 18 years with no further treatments, experts have revealed. The therapy involves taking T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from a patient and genetically engineering them to target and kill cancer cells.
These modified T-cells are grown in a laboratory and then infused back into the patient. This treatment has shown promising results in clinical trials, offering hope for patients with cancer.
Longevity and Healthy Living
According to Dan Buettner, the originator of the term “Blue Zones,” much of what people have been taught about making America healthier is wrong. Buettner told members of the Senate Aging Committee that people in Blue Zones are living 10 years longer than Americans because they’re avoiding the diseases that shorten Americans’ lives and are bankrupting us in many ways.
Buettner emphasized the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle in promoting longevity. “The people in Blue Zones are not trying to live longer; they’re just living the way they want to live, and it happens to be a way that’s good for their health,” he said.
Healthy Beverage Guidelines
Children and teens should drink water, plain pasteurized cow’s milk, and limited amounts of 100% fruit and vegetable juices, according to healthy beverage guidelines recently released by an expert panel. The panel recommended limiting plant-based milk alternatives, flavored milk, caffeine, and beverages sweetened with both sugar and nonsugar sweeteners.
These guidelines are designed to promote healthy drinking habits in children and teens, reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent surge in online searches for gambling addiction is a telling indicator of the unintended consequences of the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in the United States. As the study highlighted, the increased accessibility and visibility of sports betting have led to a significant rise in searches for help with problem gambling, with many individuals struggling to cope with the pressures of this newfound convenience. The article’s key findings, which underscore the correlation between the growth of sports betting and the spike in online searches for support, serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gaming practices and the need for comprehensive resources to address the emerging issue of gambling addiction.
The significance of this trend cannot be overstated, as it has far-reaching implications for public health, social welfare, and the gaming industry as a whole. The rapid expansion of sports betting has created a perfect storm of accessibility, marketing, and societal pressures that can lead vulnerable individuals down a path of destructive behavior. As the industry continues to evolve and expand, it is essential that policymakers, regulators, and operators prioritize responsible gaming initiatives, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with problem gambling. By acknowledging the complexities of this issue and working towards a more sustainable and responsible approach to sports betting, we can ensure that the benefits of this burgeoning industry are not outweighed by the costs to individuals and communities.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by the intersection of technology, accessibility, and human behavior. The future of sports betting will undoubtedly be shaped by the lessons learned from this critical juncture, and it is our collective responsibility to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities over profits. As the stakes continue to rise, one thing is clear: the true test of our character and commitment to responsible gaming will be measured not by the size of our bets, but by the strength of our resolve to protect those who are most vulnerable to the risks of addiction. The time to act is now, and the question remains: will we heed the warning signs and work towards a safer, more sustainable future for all, or will we continue down a path that prioritizes profits over people?