More Americans Are Betting on Sports Despite Integrity Concerns

A new national survey suggests sports wagering is becoming increasingly mainstream. According to a poll conducted by Deseret News in partnership with the Hinckley Institute of Politics, 28% of Americans say they have placed a bet on a sporting event through a sportsbook website or mobile app. The findings showcase the dramatic shifts in the US betting landscape since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018.

Millennials and Gen Z Are More Likely to Bet on Sports

The study reveals a sharp increase among younger bettors. 44% of millennials and 40% of Gen Z respondents reported wagering on sports, while only 15% of baby boomers did the same. These numbers align with the widespread availability of sports wagering across the USA, as more than 30 states permit wagering through mobile applications.

Advertising has followed suit. Major sporting events now feature numerous advertisements from operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Both companies maintain agreements with professional leagues and broadcast networks. The American Gaming Association estimates that Americans wagered nearly $150 billion across all sports in 2024, including $27.6 billion on the NFL alone.

However, popularity does not correlate with acceptance. A significant 41% of respondents believe the increased availability of online sports gambling has negatively affected sports, while only 16% say it has been good. Half of those surveyed said they believe professional athletes often or sometimes alter their performance to influence betting outcomes. Just 31% said such behavior rarely or never occurs.

Attitudes Toward Gambling Remain Mixed

Different generations display markedly different attitudes. Young adults show higher betting rates, but remain wary. More than half of millennials and Gen Z respondents said they suspect athletes sometimes adjust their play to affect wagers. Older Americans, who are less likely to bet, are even more inclined to see gambling as harmful to sports integrity.

Separate research by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York examined possible financial side effects. The study found a correlation between the legalization of online sports betting and a drop in credit scores, particularly among consumers under 40. This phenomenon was also evident in counties near state borders, suggesting some residents travel to wager when their home state prohibits it.

Overall, these results paint a complicated picture. Sports wagering has become a routine activity for millions, especially younger fans who frequent digital platforms. At the same time, the public is increasingly concerned about whether the rapid expansion has come at a cost. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the high-profile betting scandals that recently rocked the NBA, NFL, and MLB have only added fuel to the fire.