The University of New Hampshire has linked the legalization of online sports betting to increases in calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, citing a 23% spike.
The study further focused on the demographics of the callers, arguing that half of those who have reached out were aged between 18 and 34, particularly young and vulnerable.
The study also identified significant changes in the preferred form of gambling, with traditional gambling forms shrinking and giving way to online and app-based gambling – an increase of 31%.
The researchers also identified that there was gender inequality in those who sought help, with 70% of all callers being men.
According to the study, there has also been a 3.1% increase in suicide rates attributable to problem gambling.
Gorkem Turgut (G.T.) Ozer, assistant professor of decision sciences at UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, the lead author of the research, said:
“Our key finding highlights a divide: the negative consequences manifest primarily when the activity shifts online. The widespread accessibility of mobile gambling coincided with a measurable uptick in problem gambling hotline calls and elevated suicide rates.”
The researchers continued to identify which age groups were the most vulnerable to addictive tendencies, noting that unmarried, younger, and relatively less-educated men were those more likely to develop an unhealthy gambling habit.
The researchers noted that gambling was generally tied to greater potential harm, but noted that the advance of online gambling has further exacerbated the issue and is tied to greater overall harm.
Ozer highlights the business model and what needs to be done to address harm
At a time when sports betting companies are denying using technology to target customers in a way that harms them, Ozer said that the business model of those platforms is to achieve “sustained participation.”
“Integrating real-time feedback loops with unrestricted betting access creates an environment with a lower threshold for potential compulsive behavior,” he added, arguing that the downstream harm must be addressed whether through better provider training, expanded mental health resources, or targeted outreach to high-risk groups.
But policymakers are not the only ones who should be paying attention to this new trend, with colleges and universities also advised to take steps towards preventing gambling-related harm.
“Just as policymakers must weigh tax revenue against public harm, university leaders need to recognize these specific risk conditions and use empirical evidence to shape campus policies, digital guidelines, and student support programs,” Ozer added.