From Legalization to Crisis: Gambling Addiction Is Surging

First, they legalize gambling and flood every possible channel with advertisements. Then, they act surprised when gambling addiction rates skyrocket. The latest Google data reveals a troubling trend: searches for "gambling addiction" in the U.S. have surged dramatically since the legalization of sports betting in 2018.

Google Data Highlights the Problem

The American Medical Association's journal, JAMA Internal Medicine, analysed Google searches from 2016 to 2024, looking for terms such as "gambling, addiction, addict, or anonymous hotline." Their research found a significant rise in gambling-related distress, particularly in states where sports betting has been legalized.

According to the findings, nationwide queries seeking help for gambling-related harm ranged between 6.5 million and 7.3 million. The impact was especially pronounced in Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where calls to problem gambling helplines increased between 30% and 67%.

Florida's Gambling Helpline Overwhelmed

Florida serves as a stark example of this growing crisis. In 2020, the state's gambling helpline received 19,167 calls. By 2024, after the full-scale launch of Hard Rock Bet, that number had surged to 62,753—a more than threefold increase.

This trend exposes a harsh reality: while legalization aimed to curb the offshore market and regulate gambling more effectively, it has also contributed to a sharp rise in gambling-related harm.

Online Gambling Drives Higher Addiction Rates

Another critical takeaway from the study is the impact of online gambling. Data suggests that online betting significantly increases addiction rates compared to land-based gambling.

For instance, when sports betting was limited to brick-and-mortar venues in Pennsylvania, searches for gambling addiction rose by 33%. However, once online sports betting launched, the search volume surged by 61%, reinforcing concerns that easy access to online gambling exacerbates addictive behaviours.

The Industry Must Acknowledge the Consequences

The results are clear: the widespread legalization and aggressive promotion of gambling have fuelled an increase in problem gambling. Yet, industry leaders and regulators seem reluctant to take full responsibility.

If gambling companies and policymakers truly care about responsible gambling, they must address these issues head-on. Transparency about RTP reductions, responsible advertising, and better support for gambling addiction treatment are essential steps in mitigating the damage caused by an industry that profits from risk-taking behaviours.

The question remains: will action be taken to protect vulnerable players, or will the industry continue to prioritise profits over responsibility?