A recent study in Massachusetts has highlighted a growing concern about problem gambling, coinciding with the rise in online gambling revenues as more states legalize it. The study, focusing on individuals who gamble monthly or more frequently, shows that an increasing number of people are experiencing gambling-related harm. The research, the third in a series, indicates that over time, people are gambling on a wider range of activities, including the lottery, sports betting, and online platforms, while expressing concerns about the addictive nature of gambling.
One key finding of the study, led by Rachel Volberg, was that the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to suppress gambling behaviors among recreational gamblers, but not among those already at risk for problem gambling. As the pandemic’s influence wanes, gambling behavior appears to be picking up again, particularly with the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts in 2023. The study suggests that the post-pandemic resurgence, coupled with sports betting legalization, has led to an increase in gambling-related problems.
The proportion of individuals surveyed who reported gambling problems rose from 12.7% in 2014 to 25.6% in 2023. In comparison, only about 2% of the general population experienced problem gambling before and after the introduction of casinos in Massachusetts. This increase is viewed as alarming by researchers, who attribute the rise to the expanding availability of gambling and sports betting in particular.
This report comes in the context of rising revenues in Massachusetts’ gambling industry, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission reporting approximately $92.06 million in gross revenue for September 2023, including $73 million from sports wagering. Online sports betting, which has grown significantly in popularity, is now legal in 38 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. The study indicates that as gambling becomes more accessible, efforts to monitor and mitigate the harms associated with problem gambling need to increase accordingly.