Sports wagering could potentially fuel problematic gambling behavior, a new study indicates.
Massachusetts legalized sports betting in 2011, marking the beginning of a significant shift in the state's gambling landscape. Retail betting launched in January 2023, and online apps followed shortly thereafter. This move has led to a surge in sports betting participation and broader gambling engagement across the state [1][3].
The sports betting industry in Massachusetts has experienced unprecedented growth, with record revenues in 2024 and 2025. Monthly gross gaming receipts surpassed $90 million in early 2025, a testament to the heavy betting activity in the state, partly fueled by popular local teams [2]. However, this boom has raised concerns about a potential rise in problem gambling and gambling-related harms among residents.
A recent study by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has linked the legalization and rapid growth of sports betting as a leading factor contributing to increased gambling problems in Massachusetts [1][3]. The research suggests that the spread of legal sports betting may be potentially increasing gambling-related harms and rates of problem gambling [2].
In response to these risks, Massachusetts has taken several steps to combat problem gambling. These efforts include promoting awareness and education about responsible gambling, offering support services and treatment programs for problem gamblers, regulatory oversight by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), collaboration with universities and research institutions, and funding for research to study gambling impacts and improve intervention strategies [1].
Derek Longmeier, president of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Board of Directors, has stated that the nationwide efforts in responsible gambling and public awareness are making a positive impact. He suggests that to continue this progress, problem gambling should be embedded into the broader public health infrastructure, and investments should be made in prevention, education, treatment, and research [4].
The MGC, the state gaming regulatory agency, provides funding for research conducted by the research group, SEIGMA. In 2024, SEIGMA reported that the number of gamblers experiencing gambling-related harms, such as financial problems and relationship troubles, had risen from 20.9% to 28% [5]. The American Gaming Association reports that sports bettors lost a record $13.71 billion in 2024, a 25.4% increase on the then-record of $11.04 billion set in 2023 [6].
Despite these concerns, the NCPG's national survey found that risky gambling behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic has eased [7]. However, the report indicates a significant rise in the number of problem gamblers in Massachusetts, with about a quarter of monthly gamblers who took the SEIGMA survey reporting encountering a financial problem because of their participation [8]. Many sports bettors in Massachusetts report financial hardship due to their wagering.
In conclusion, the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts has led to increased participation and associated gambling harms, prompting increased research focus and regulatory measures to address problem gambling impacts. The efforts aim to balance the economic benefits of legalized sports betting with protections for vulnerable populations, reflecting a nationwide pattern where increased accessibility to gambling requires enhanced safeguards.
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