Gambling disorder diagnoses spike in states that legalized sports betting, study shows
Diagnoses of gambling disorder rose more than 60% in states that legalized sports betting since 2018, according to a new study.Summary
A new study analyzing electronic health records across the U.S. found that diagnoses of gambling disorder rose more than 60% in states that legalized sports betting since 2018, with the biggest increase among young men. The rate of diagnoses in these states increased from 3.0 to 4.8 per 100,000 people, while diagnoses fell by about 30% in the 11 states that did not legalize sports betting. Experts note that increased access to gambling, particularly through online platforms, correlates with higher rates of addiction and harm. The American Gaming Association argues that the rise in diagnoses reflects greater awareness and screening rather than a growing underlying problem. However, clinicians emphasize that problem gambling is underdiagnosed and that online platforms pose unique risks by introducing younger, more vulnerable populations to highly addictive products.
(Source：NBC 5 Chicago)