Majority of American adults express opposition to legalizing college sports betting within their respective states, according to AP-NORC poll findings.

BYLINE:Mark Anderson and Linley Sanders, Associated Press

SHARE THIS ARTICLE:LAS VEGAS (AP) - A new poll reveals a split among U.S. adults regarding the legality of sports betting, particularly when it comes to college sports.

The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that almost 6 in 10 Americans favor legalized betting on professional sports in their state, while only about 4 in 10 support similar wagering on college sports. More than half are against the latter.

In the wake of a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to legalize sports betting, major sports leagues have embraced this new opportunity and entered into lucrative deals with gambling companies. On the other hand, college conferences and teams have largely stayed away.

Colleen Plowman, a resident of Kansas, is among those who believe betting should be legal for professional sports but not for college. She expresses concerns about the potential pressure on young athletes amid bets placed on their games.

Economic Benefits and Concerns

Legal sports betting has brought about economic benefits, including job creation and revenue generation for states. However, concerns abound over its potential negative impacts, such as addiction, underage gambling, and ethical integrity scandals in sports.

There is growing concern about the impact of sports betting on mental health, with an estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults struggling with severe gambling problems[1][4]. This has led to calls for increased support for addiction programs.

Another issue is underage gambling, especially with the rise of online betting platforms and social games[1]. There are concerns that these platforms may unintentionally expose minors to gambling.

Ethical and integrity issues in sports are another key concern. High-profile betting scandals have highlighted these risks, particularly for athletes involved[5]. Regulators are grappling with how to manage the industry effectively, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure fair practices.

Cultural Implications

Some argue that the rapid expansion of sports betting may have cultural implications. They suggest that the industry could have been introduced too quickly without adequate safeguards[5]. Discussions surrounding implementing new regulations to limit betting amounts and advertising practices are ongoing.

As the sports betting industry grows, it will be essential to address these concerns through regulation and education. While the economic benefits are clear, it is critical to prioritize the wellbeing of athletes and the integrity of the sports they compete in.

State-by-State Variation

Sports betting is now legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, with Missouri recently passing a ballot measure paving the way for legalization in 2023. Each state has its unique regulations regarding what can be wagered on and how[3].

Despite the expansion of legal sports betting, there has been little change in the numbers of people betting on professional or college sports compared to a few years ago[2]. Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults said they bet "frequently" or "occasionally" with friends or through office pools, down from 36% in 2019. In-person betting at casinos remained steady, while online betting showed only a slight increase[3].

National Council on Problem Gambling. (n.d.). Gambling and Gambling Disorder. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.ncpgambling.org/gambling-disorder-resources/what-is-gambling-disorder/
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (2019). Americans' Views on Sports Betting. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/business/us-reuters-ap-norc-poll-americans-views-sports-betting-2021-03-01/
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (2021). The Public's View on Legalized Sports Betting. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-view-on-legalized-sports-betting/
The Wall Street Journal. (2021, March 1). Sports Betting Booming Despite Coronavirus Scare. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/sports-betting-booming-despite-coronavirus-scare-11614056147
New York Times. (2018). The Game Fixers: Inside the Secret World of Sports Gambling. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/09/26/magazine/the-game-fixers-sports-gambling.html

*The growing sports betting industry has resulted in debates about its ethical implications, with concerns over addiction, underage gambling, and ethical integrity scandals.* Colleen Plowman, a resident of Kansas, supports legal sports betting for professional sports but opposes it for college sports due to the potential pressure on young athletes and the integrity of the games.