Lead brief
A new study by Epic Research reveals a 61% surge in problem gambling rates in U.S. states that have legalized sports betting since 2018. The findings underscore growing concerns around player protection and regulatory responses in the expanding American online gambling market.
Coverage frame
This piece sits inside the wider 31Casino news desk, where single developments are read against regulation, market structure, and reader relevance.
Primary source base
- ▸Problem gambling rates in states regulating sports betting have increased by 61% since legalization.
- ▸The research highlights notable spikes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey following market launches.
- ▸The findings intensify scrutiny on existing responsible gambling measures and regulatory frameworks.
- ▸The report adds urgency to calls for strengthened player protection in the rapidly expanding U.S. betting landscape.
What Happened
A comprehensive study released by Epic Research indicates that U.S. states which have legalized sports betting since 2018 have seen a dramatic increase in the incidence of gambling disorders. The analysis, drawing on data from jurisdictions such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, identifies a 61% jump in problem gambling rates post-legalization. The research underscores a clear association between market opening and an immediate uptick in reported harm. Although sports betting legalization has ushered in economic and consumer benefits, the Epic Research data suggests significant social costs are being realized in parallel.
Why It Matters
The sharp increase in problem gambling rates carries wide-reaching implications for state regulators, operators, and public health officials. The reported 61% surge points to the challenges of balancing market access and player safety, particularly as the U.S. experiences unprecedented growth in regulated online betting.
61 percent — the reported rise in problem gambling rates in states with legal sports betting, according to Epic Research, represents a marked escalation compared to previous years.
Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the U.S. sports betting market has expanded swiftly. More than 30 states now offer some form of legal wagering. As channels for legal gambling have widened, so too have avenues for people vulnerable to gambling harm. The Epic Research findings have reframed the debate around regulated gambling, challenging the notion that legal markets, in isolation, curtail illicit activity and foster safer consumer experiences.
Instead, the data suggests that availability breeds risk: increased exposure, marketing, and ease of access create additional pathways into gambling disorder for some consumers. The study serves as a timely reminder that regulatory frameworks must proactively adapt to address these harms. Without robust player protection mechanisms, including funding for treatment services, education, and technological interventions, rates of gambling disorder are likely to increase further as legalization continues to spread.
Industry Context
The U.S. market’s growth trajectory for sports betting has been among the fastest globally. As states roll out online betting options, revenue gains have often overshadowed regulatory or social challenges. Yet the American experience is now mirroring established patterns from Europe and Australia, where spikes in gambling harm have typically accompanied liberalized markets.
A defining feature of the U.S. rollout has been the intensity of advertising and promotional campaigns, especially around major sporting events. Industry observers have raised concerns that aggressive marketing may have contributed to higher rates of gambling harm by normalizing betting and targeting vulnerable groups, including young adults.
Several states have responded by considering or implementing enhanced responsible gambling requirements, such as mandatory operator contributions to problem gambling funds, self-exclusion registers, and limits on advertising practices. However, the Epic Research findings suggest that enforcement and implementation must keep pace with market realities in order to be effective.
Regulatory Background
U.S. gambling regulation operates at the state level, meaning resources and rules for player protection vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Since the rapid expansion of sports betting post-2018, some states have established dedicated responsible gambling programs and public awareness campaigns. For instance, New Jersey has supported research into problem gambling incidence and mandated accessible support services on operator platforms. Pennsylvania, facing similar spikes in harm, has allocated resources for treatment and education.
However, the 61% increase highlighted by Epic Research demonstrates that current measures may be insufficient given the speed and scale of market expansion. The findings will likely add momentum to ongoing discussions about harmonizing responsible gambling standards, standardizing data collection, and funding additional public health interventions across the U.S.
For a comprehensive overview of how U.S. gambling law has developed and what frameworks exist in different states, readers can consult our Casino regulation guide.
What Happens Next
These findings are likely to prompt renewed pressure on both regulators and operators to bolster harm minimization measures. Concrete steps already evident in some states include the introduction of mandatory responsible gambling training for staff, high-visibility warning messages, and proactive player monitoring programs. Additionally, the data could inform future legislative agendas by encouraging states to fund independent research and strengthen cross-state coordination on problem gambling intervention.
Sources
This article is for informational purposes only. 31Casino does not provide gambling services or recommendations. If you're concerned about your gambling, visit our Responsible Gambling page for support resources.