As sports betting has soared, more people search online for help with gambling addiction
NPR Online NewsFEB 17
The legalization of sports betting has brought gambling out of the shadows, enabling proper regulation and consumer protection while generating substantial tax revenue for public services. The vast majority of users engage responsibly with these platforms, and legal operations help combat illegal gambling markets.
The rapid expansion of online sports betting has created a public health crisis, with addiction rates soaring and vulnerable populations increasingly at risk. The industry's growth has outpaced protective regulations, leading to unprecedented levels of gambling addiction help-seeking, particularly among young adults.