The rapid growth of legal sports betting across America has created a dual narrative: record-breaking consumer participation collides with escalating public health questions. As states refine their approaches to gambling regulation, new data reveals how industry expansion intersects with efforts to promote safer play.
Nationwide Spike in Gambling Help Queries Follows Legalization Wave
Recent analysis of internet search patterns shows a clear correlation between the spread of legal sports betting and increased public concern about gambling habits. Between 2018 and mid-2024, searches containing phrases like “gambling addiction help” and “am I a gambling addict” rose 23% nationally. This translates to an estimated 6.5–7.3 million searches related to problem gambling assistance, peaking at 180,000 monthly inquiries.
The shift follows the 2018 Supreme Court decision allowing states to legalize sports wagering, triggering a $121 billion betting market by 2023 – up from $4.9 billion in 2017. Of the 38 states now offering legal sportsbooks, those with online platforms see the most dramatic effects. Pennsylvania’s experience typifies this trend:
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Retail sportsbook launches (2019) brought 33% more addiction-related searches
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Online access (2020) drove a 61% surge that persisted for years
Eight states showed statistically significant search increases post-legalization, with Ohio (+67%), Pennsylvania (+50%), and Massachusetts (+47%) leading the uptick. Researchers calculate the odds of these patterns occurring randomly at less than 1 in 25.6 billion.
Public Health Systems Adapt to New Gambling Landscape
When someone types ‘how to stop betting’ at 2 AM, that’s a cry for help our current systems often miss.
While gambling disorder remains an official psychiatric diagnosis, most states lack formal tracking systems for addiction rates. Healthcare providers and researchers increasingly turn to alternative metrics like search trends and helpline calls to gauge the issue’s scope.
“Digital breadcrumbs from search engines give us real-time visibility into hidden struggles,” explains Dr. Davey Smith of UC San Diego’s Altman Clinical Institute. “When someone types ‘how to stop betting’ at 2 AM, that’s a cry for help our current systems often miss.”
Medical schools and residency programs are now integrating gambling disorder training, while states explore using sportsbook tax revenue to fund treatment programs. Proposed safeguards include:
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Mandatory betting limits for online accounts
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Restrictions on credit-funded wagers
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Geofencing around schools and addiction centers
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Advertising guidelines mirroring alcohol regulations
Sports Betting Legalization in the United States
The legalization of sports betting in the United States has undergone a significant transformation since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which invalidated the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This landmark ruling granted individual states the authority to regulate sports betting within their jurisdictions. As of February 2025, 38 states and the District of Columbia have operational sportsbooks, with several others considering legislation to legalize the practice. This rapid expansion reflects a shift in public perception, with a growing acceptance of sports betting as a mainstream form of entertainment.
Economically, the sports betting industry has experienced exponential growth. In 2017, prior to the repeal of PASPA, total sports wagers in the U.S. amounted to $4.9 billion. By 2023, this figure had skyrocketed to $121.1 billion, with online platforms accounting for 94% of wagers placed that year. This surge has generated substantial tax revenues for states; for instance, New York collected 51% of sportsbook tax revenue, directing funds toward education and other public services. The American Gaming Association estimated that, as of 2024, the legal gambling industry contributed $66.6 billion in revenue, with sports betting comprising $11 billion of this total. These figures underscore the significant economic impact of legalized sports betting on both state economies and the national landscape.
Leading the market are FanDuel and DraftKings, which together control about 80% of the U.S. online sports betting market. FanDuel, owned by Flutter Entertainment, reported U.S. revenues of $4.4 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly 40% of Flutter’s total sales. DraftKings, on the other hand, reported a 13% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter revenue, reaching $1.39 billion, and projected its 2025 revenue to be between $6.3 billion and $6.6 billion.
The competitive landscape has intensified with the entry of new players like ESPN BET and Fanatics, aiming to capture market share from established giants. Despite the influx of competitors, the high costs associated with customer acquisition and technological development have solidified the dominance of FanDuel and DraftKings. Their significant market share provides them with advantages in marketing and product development, making it challenging for newcomers to gain a foothold.
Parlay betting has emerged as a significant revenue driver for sportsbooks. These bets, which involve multiple predictions on a single ticket, offer high potential payouts but come with low probabilities of winning. The allure of substantial jackpots has made parlays increasingly popular among casual bettors. Sportsbooks have capitalized on this trend, heavily promoting parlays through advertisements and celebrity endorsements, as they deliver larger profit margins compared to traditional bets.
While the industry continues to expand, it faces challenges such as regulatory scrutiny and the financial risks associated with betting outcomes. For instance, a season where favorites consistently win can lead to significant payouts, impacting sportsbooks’ revenues. Despite these challenges, the U.S. sports betting market is projected to reach $39 billion by 2030, indicating robust growth potential for operators who can navigate the competitive and regulatory landscape effectively.
Washington Lottery Earns Top Marks for Player Safety Practices
Amid growing addiction concerns, Washington’s Lottery achieved Sustaining Level certification in the Responsible Gambling Verification (RGV) program – the nation’s highest benchmark for player protection. Only Ohio and Virginia share this distinction, awarded through a joint initiative by the National Council on Problem Gambling and state lottery authorities.
Being a gambling provider means being part of the solution
The certification recognizes comprehensive safeguards including:
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Annual $373,000 contributions to state problem gambling programs
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Problem gambling hotline displays on tickets, websites, and vending machines
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Retailer training to recognize concerning behavior patterns
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Advertising audits ensuring responsible messaging
“Being a gambling provider means being part of the solution,” says Washington Lottery Director Marcus Glasper. “Every employee – from accountants to ad teams – gets trained to support responsible play.”
National Standards Emerge for Gambling Operators
The RGV program categorizes lottery operators into three tiers:
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Planning (12 states): Establishing baseline policies
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Implementation (7 states): Executing trained staff programs
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Sustaining (3 states): Demonstrating long-term effectiveness
Notable participants include:
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New York: Implementation Level since 2023
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Michigan: Maintained certification since 2020
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Kentucky: Newly upgraded to Implementation in 2024
Internationally recognized certifications through the World Lottery Association now grant parallel RGV status, creating consistent global standards.
Balancing Entertainment Value With Social Duty
State gambling operators face the complex task of maximizing revenue for public services while minimizing consumer harm. Washington’s approach illustrates this balance:
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88% of residents approve of lottery-funded education programs
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76% support mandatory responsible gambling training for retailers
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76% endorse using gambling revenue for addiction services
“Responsible gaming isn’t antithetical to profitability,” notes Kristi Weeks, Washington Lottery’s Legal Director. “Informed players who set limits tend to engage longer-term.”
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