Rise in Sports Betting and Problem Gambling Among Monthly Gamblers in Massachusetts in 2024
Surveys in Massachusetts show a notable rise in sports betting participation and gambling-related harms among monthly gamblers in 2024, highlighting the importance of responsible gambling strategies amidst the evolving betting landscape.
Recent surveys conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveal an upward trend in sports betting participation and gambling-related harms among monthly gamblers in Massachusetts during 2024. The research indicates increased engagement in online sports betting, with participation rising from 16.7% in March 2022—before sports betting was legalized—to 32.6% in 2024. Notably, the percentage of monthly gamblers who never bet on sports decreased from 61.4% in 2022 to 46.7% in fall 2024, illustrating growing involvement.
The surveys, carried out in spring and fall of 2024, highlight some early social impacts following the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts, which began in the first quarter of 2023. While the data can't be generalized to the entire population, it provides insight into behavioral changes over time among frequent gamblers. The findings were presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission by epidemiologist Rachel Volberg, the study's lead investigator.
Attitudes toward gambling have shifted, with a slight increase in the proportion of monthly gamblers viewing all gambling as illegal or harmful—rising from 48% in 2022 to 56% in late 2024. Researchers attribute this change partly to media coverage and marketing efforts that intensified prior to and following the legalization of sports betting.
Behavioral patterns among gamblers also evolved. Sports betting among all participants grew from 16.7% in 2022 to 26.9% in 2023, and further to 32.6% in 2024. The shift from social or illegal betting to legal platforms was significant, with illegal sports betting declining from 13.5% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023, then slightly rising to 8.3% in late 2024.
Unfortunately, problem gambling symptoms among monthly gamblers increased from 20.9% in 2022 to 28% in late 2024. The surveys also revealed a rise in gambling-related harms, especially financial issues (18% to 25%) and relationship problems (13.9% to 27.2%). These trends underscore the need for harm reduction strategies and expanded responsible gambling tools.
Expert opinion emphasizes that these indicators are concerning, as they suggest an escalation in gambling-related harms associated with increased sports betting activity. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission aims to monitor these trends carefully and implement policies that promote responsible gambling and protect vulnerable individuals.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-sports-problem-gambling-monthly-gamblers.html
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