With Missouri set to legalize sports wagering later this year, the activity will soon be available in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. But according to a new Pew Research Center survey, not everyone sees this expansion positively.
The poll found that 43% of Americans believe sports betting is bad for society, up sharply from 34% in 2022. Similarly, 40% say it’s harming sports, compared to 33% three years ago. Despite this shift, most respondents still say legalized sports wagering has neither a good nor bad impact overall, while fewer than one in five believe it has a positive effect.
Awareness of the industry’s growth has also increased. Pew reports that 63% of Americans have heard or read about the spread of sports betting, up from 56% in 2022 — likely driven by the surge in media coverage and sportsbook advertising.
Broad and Bipartisan Concern
Negative views of sports betting cut across demographics. Men and women, regardless of income or education, share similar skepticism. Pew also notes that both Democrats and Republicans, as well as those who have wagered and those who haven’t, express comparable concerns.
The data may worry operators: 47% of men under 30 now say sports betting is bad for society, more than double the 22% who said the same in 2022. Among young women, 35% share that sentiment.
Rising Participation Despite Concerns
Even as perceptions sour, participation remains widespread. Thirty-six percent of men and 29% of women under 30 reported betting on sports in the past year. In comparison, only 19% of adults aged 50–64 and 12% of those 65 and older have done so.
The study also highlights racial and ethnic differences. Black (30%) and Hispanic (27%) adults were more likely to have bet on sports in the past year than Asian (22%) or White (19%) adults, suggesting some groups may face higher exposure to gambling-related losses.
Pew’s findings suggest that while legalized sports betting continues to grow across the U.S., public sentiment is shifting toward skepticism — especially among younger Americans.
Explore trusted online casino review with Casino Singapore Review. Ready to play? Sign up now and start winning today!
