Introduction to Gambling Trends
In recent online surveys conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, researchers observed notable changes in gambling behaviors and attitudes among monthly gamblers in Massachusetts. The surveys, which took place in the spring and fall of 2024, aimed to understand the impact of legalized sports betting in the state, which began in early 2023. These findings are part of the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) research project.
Changes in Gambling Attitudes
One of the significant observations from the surveys was the shift in attitudes toward gambling. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a decline in the proportion of monthly gamblers who believed all types of gambling should be legal, accompanied by a small increase in those who believed all types of gambling should be illegal. These trends continued into 2024, with slight increases in both measures. Furthermore, the proportion of monthly gamblers who believed that the harm caused by gambling outweighs its benefits rose from 48% in 2022 to 53% in 2023 and further to 56% in the fall of 2024.
Impact of Sports Betting
The introduction of legalized sports betting in Massachusetts had a marked impact on betting behaviors. Before sports betting was legalized, past-year participation in sports betting among all surveyed participants was 16.7% in March 2022. This number increased to 26.9% in March 2023, just as online and mobile sportsbooks began operating, and rose further to 32.6% in the 2024 surveys. Among monthly gamblers, the proportion of those who never bet on sports declined significantly, from 61.4% in 2022 to 46.7% in the fall of 2024. There was also a notable increase in weekly and monthly sports betting among this group.
Problem Gambling and Harms
The surveys also indicated an increase in problem gambling among monthly gamblers, from 20.9% in 2022 to 25.6% in 2023 and 28% in the fall of 2024. This rise in problem gambling is concerning, especially when considering the broader impact of legalized sports betting. Additionally, there was a higher rate of reported gambling harms, particularly in the areas of financial harms and family or relationship issues. These findings suggest a need for harm reduction strategies targeting sports bettors and an expansion of responsible gambling tools.
Conclusion
The trends observed in the surveys underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of gambling behaviors and attitudes, especially in the context of legalized sports betting. The rise in problem gambling and gambling harms among monthly gamblers is a concern that warrants attention from policymakers and gambling regulators. By implementing effective harm reduction strategies and promoting responsible gambling practices, it may be possible to mitigate some of the negative impacts of gambling and ensure a safer gambling environment for those in Massachusetts. The research highlights the complex relationship between the legalization of sports betting, gambling attitudes, and the incidence of problem gambling, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and strategic interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
