Sports betting – an increasingly popular form of gambling – is legal in 38 states, with other states considering legalization soon. While some states restrict sports betting to retail-only operations, Oregon made online sports betting legal in 2019.
Its popularity has skyrocketed. The Oregon Lottery reports that last year, Oregonians spent over $565 million on sports betting, more than all other Lottery options combined (Keno, Powerball, etc.). Across the county, the same trend emerges. For example, the American Gaming Association expected to reach $1.39 billion in legal bets for the 2025 Superbowl, shattering the previous year’s records.
However, with the rise in sports betting has come a surge in calls to problem gambling hotlines, shining a light on problem gambling disorder as a public health issue.
“I have seen the increase of clients stepping in for Sports betting at least double since the reintroduction of sports betting in Oregon,” says Trent Stene, QMHP-C, ICGC II, who specializes in problem gambling at LifeWorks NW. “Sports betting, unlike other forms of gambling, is something that can be done anytime or anywhere. It has created a 24 hour a day activity that is celebrated through continuous advertisement and promotion of ‘free’” money or credit to sign up or place a bet.”
Sports betting draws in younger gamblers
Oregon Lottery data indicates that sports bettors tend to be younger and more affluent than people who play other Lottery games such as Powerball or video slot machines. For a generation of people who have grown up with the ease of online transactions, the constant availability of online wagers can be hard to resist. New technology, such as AI recommendations and live-streaming betting, can blur the lines between entertainment and gambling.
“With the increase of AI in sports betting, it is giving those not experienced in sports betting a sense of being able to outsmart the system,” says Trent. “This leads to more betting with large dollar amounts, creating a risk of great loss.”
Experts estimate that 2-5% of the general adult population have a gambling disorder. A 2023 Time Magazine article cited a study estimating that number was closer to 10% for college students. That same study credited mobile sports betting for the uptick in gambling problems on college campuses.
Regulators and experts address sports betting
While sports betting may remain a form of entertainment for some, problem gambling can devastate lives. Common issues that occur with gambling addiction can include:
- Bankruptcy or severe financial problems
- Job loss or work disruption
- Poor mental or physical health
- Increased suicidal thoughts
Some lawmakers now see the impact of sports betting and gambling problems as a public health issue. Last year, they introduced The Safe Bet Act in an attempt to set federal standards for sports betting of all kinds. It aims to “create a safer, less addictive product, while still preserving the freedom to bet for those who wish to do so.”
Meanwhile, The National Council on Problem Gambling and mental health experts continue to advocate for public health education and access to free prevention and treatment services.
“I am seeing larger amounts of debt happening in sports betting because there is no actual exchange of physical money,” says Trent. “This increases the chances of not realizing truly how much has been spent until it is too late.”
I believe there should be a section of education about setting limits and the instructions of how to do it before anyone, especially young adults/youth, can ever make their first bet.
Gambling disorder is an addiction
The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders moved gambling disorder into the addictions section, making it the first recognized addiction that does not involve substance use. This move reflects that gambling disorder has many of the same characteristics as other addictions, such as:
- Loss of control
- Withdrawal
- Increased tolerance
- Fixation
Treatment for gambling disorder is effective. It can include counseling, groups, lifestyle changes, and family support. It may also include mental health therapy for other concerns that often occur with problem gambling, such as depression or anxiety. If you think you or your loved one may have a gambling problem, help is available.
- The Oregon Problem Gambling Resource offers free help and a self-evaluation, as well as a 24-hour hotline. Call 1-877-MY-LIMIT if you need immediate assistance.
- LifeWorks NW’s Problem Gambling program operates statewide, with options for in-person or telehealth visits. Learn more about our problem gambling services or call 503-546-9010.
