Summary
More Americans are starting to think legal sports betting is bad for society and sports, according to a recent survey. The trend shows a significant increase in negative views since 2022. This change comes after the Supreme Court allowed states to legalize sports betting in 2018.
Key Facts
- A recent Pew Research Center survey shows 43% of Americans view legal sports betting as bad for society, up from 34% in 2022.
- The percentage of people who think legal sports betting is good for society dropped slightly from 8% in 2022 to 7% in 2025.
- The survey noted a significant opinion shift among 18 to 29-year-olds, with negative views rising from 23% to 41% from 2022 to 2025.
- Older age groups, specifically those over 65, also showed an increase in negative views, from 45% to 49%.
- 40% of respondents believed legal sports betting was bad for sports, up from 33% in 2022.
- The survey included responses from 9,916 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.3 percentage points.
- 22% of those surveyed said they placed bets on sports in the past year, including online and in-person betting.
- Discussions among lawmakers, like Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Richard Durbin, indicate ongoing debates about the regulation of sports betting.
