Online Sports Betting: A Double-Edged Sword

Since 2018, over 38 states have legalized sports betting, leading to increased state revenues but also a surge in gambling addiction. Online sports betting is particularly addictive, with hotlines seeing doubled calls. Experts urge stronger safeguards and treatment programs to mitigate the harmful effects.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 2018 decision, more than 38 states have legalized sports betting, reshaping the gambling landscape and generating significant revenue. State governments earned over $500 million in the third quarter of the last year, though calls to gambling addiction hotlines have doubled.

Experts now warn that the rise of online sports betting is fueling a new wave of gambling addiction. Dr. Timothy Fong from UCLA notes a concerning shift from older casino-goers to younger individuals becoming ensnared in online gambling and risky financial bets.

Despite the lucrative revenue streams, many argue the need for better regulatory safeguards. Industry leaders and nonprofit organizations like the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health are advocating for enhanced measures to address the addiction crisis, emphasizing that effective regulation and responsible gaming practices are essential for sustainable growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)