Surge in Troublesome Gambling Cases Reported in Massachusetts
Legalized Sports Betting in Massachusetts Boosts Participation but Increases Problem Gambling
A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) in 2024 has revealed that the legalization of sports betting in the state has led to increased participation in sports betting and a rise in problem gambling among regular gamblers.
The study, presented by epidemiology researcher Rachel Volberg on July 31, found that the proportion of monthly gamblers who never bet on sports dropped from 61.4% in 2022 (before legalization) to 46.7% in fall 2024, while weekly and monthly sports betting rates increased significantly. Concurrently, the prevalence of problem gambling among monthly gamblers rose from 20.9% in 2022 to 28% in fall 2024.
The shift from illegal and social sports betting toward legal sportsbooks in the state was also observed. Informal or social sports betting declined significantly, dropping from 49.3% of monthly gamblers in 2022 to 32.2% by fall 2024. The use of illegal sports betting platforms fell from 13.5% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023, before rising slightly to 8.3% in 2024.
The study highlighted the importance of implementing targeted harm reduction strategies, expanding access to tools that support responsible gambling, and addressing the needs of those dealing with financial difficulties or relationship issues. Volberg noted that the trends among monthly gamblers in the online surveys are moving in a concerning direction.
The study also found that the participation in sports betting among all survey respondents rose from 16.7% in March 2022 to 32.6% in 2024. Harms related to relationships and family saw an even steeper rise, nearly doubling from 13.9% to 27.2% over the same period.
The intense media coverage and aggressive marketing campaigns before and after legalization were partly blamed for this change in perception. Massachusetts reported lower betting results for June compared to previous months, suggesting a potential saturation effect or a need for further regulation.
Despite legalization, sports betting remains largely a game of chance where long-term financial gains for bettors are rare, underscoring risks for vulnerable individuals. The study also flagged negative attitudes toward the sports betting industry among frequent gamblers amid these rising harms.
In conclusion, the Massachusetts study suggests that while legalized sports betting has boosted legal participation, it has also increased problem gambling rates and associated harms in the population of regular gamblers. The findings align with national trends where expanded sports betting availability tends to increase exposure to gambling harms.
[1] University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2024). Study finds legalized sports betting in Massachusetts leads to increased participation and problem gambling. Retrieved from https://www.umass.edu/news/releases/2024/study-finds-legalized-sports-betting-massachusetts-leads-increased-participation-and-problem-gambling
[2] Volberg, R. (2024). Presentation to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Retrieved from https://www.massgaming.com/meetings-and-agendas/agendas/2024/07/31/agenda
[3] National Council on Problem Gambling. (2023). Attitudes toward gambling and gambling harm among Massachusetts residents. Retrieved from https://www.ncpgambling.org/resources/research/attitudes-toward-gambling-and-gambling-harm-among-massachusetts-residents
[4] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
[5] Massachusetts Gaming Commission. (2024). Study on the impact of legalized sports betting in Massachusetts. Retrieved from https://www.massgaming.com/research-and-data/research-reports/study-on-the-impact-of-legalized-sports-betting-in-massachusetts
- The study presented by Rachel Volberg in 2024, conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and addressed to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), pointed out the need for harm reduction strategies in the context of legalized sports betting.
- Increased participation in sports betting and sportsbook use, along with notable rises in problem gambling rates, were consequences of legalized sports betting in Massachusetts, as evidenced by the study mentioned above.
- In light of the findings from the above-mentioned study, addressing the health and wellness concerns, particularly mental health, financial stability, and relationship issues, is crucial in order to maintain a responsible gambling environment.
- The study further revealed that the legalization of sports betting expanded beyond illegal and social sports betting toward legal sportsbooks, also flagging the importance of addressing the negative attitudes towards the sports betting industry in regular gamblers.
