Gambling disorder diagnoses spike after states legalized sports betting

June 26, 2026 - 12:09

Researchers who combed through millions of electronic health records have uncovered a stark trend: states that legalized sports betting saw a significant jump in diagnoses of gambling disorder. The study compared data from states that approved sports gambling against those that kept it banned, and the difference was dramatic.

The analysis, which pulled from a vast pool of anonymized patient records, found that in states where sports betting became legal, the number of people diagnosed with gambling-related problems rose sharply within a few years. This spike was not seen in states that did not legalize the practice, suggesting a direct link between the policy change and public health consequences.

Experts say the findings highlight a hidden cost of the rapid expansion of legal sports gambling across the United States. Since the Supreme Court cleared the way for states to legalize sports betting in 2018, more than 30 states have done so. While proponents often point to tax revenue and consumer protections, the new research underscores the rise in addiction-related harms.

The study's authors noted that gambling disorder can lead to severe financial ruin, relationship breakdowns, and mental health crises. They argue that states should invest more in prevention and treatment programs as they continue to expand legal betting markets. The data, drawn from electronic health records between 2013 and 2023, provides some of the clearest evidence yet of the real-world impact on individuals seeking medical help for their gambling habits.