Sports Betting

 In recent years, sports betting has risen in popularity across the United States, largely due to the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed states to legalize it. The legalization is for 21+ years old except for 5 states being 18 years old. Even though this has led to economic uprises and increased fan engagement, these new regulations bring attention to concerns about addiction, fairness in competition, and the integrity of the games themselves. 

Supporters of sports betting have argued that sports betting has revitalized the industry, creating new revenue outlets for states and leagues. With data pulled from the American Gaming Association, legalized sports betting in the U.S. has been able to generate billions of dollars in taxes and revenue. With this increase in our economy, it has helped create new jobs and increase public service funding. People bring up the argument that betting on games creates a more interactive and engaging experience for themselves and their fans due to their stake in the outcome of the game. The National Council on Problem Gambling has reported an increase in gambling addiction rates since the legalization of sports betting in 2018. Being addicted to sports gambling could potentially lead to financial hurt and can negatively impact yourself and others around you. Early adopters of legalized sports betting such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania have seen an increase in calls to gambling addiction hotlines. The excitement of sports betting that it brings to fans can easily turn into a harmful habit. Research from the Journal of Gambling Studies states that legalized sports betting has seen a notable uptick in sports-related gambling addictions.
Data:
In the state of New Jersey, where sports betting has been legal since 2018, the number of people seeking help for gambling addiction increased by over 30% within the first two years of legalization. 

Hypothesis:
As more states continue to legalize sports betting without sufficient measures to help prevent addiction, increases in gambling-related issues will likely begin to occur nationwide.

There is a potential impact on the athlete's performance. Every day people are posting about today's plays, picks, and predictions that are posted for millions of viewers. If this gets into a player's view they can feel the pressure to meet the public's wants and needs. Knowing people are counting on them for financial freedom can make these athletes feel more pressured and nervous to face threats due to game outcomes that challenge the integrity of the sports we all enjoy and love. The unpredictableness of sports games and the satisfaction of watching the game unfold naturally are the values that should be upheld. It should not be a matter of solely focusing on the game where the fan is only hoping their player or team exceeds or stays below the line they have money on. There are so many young, reckless, and careless individuals who have been sucked into the sports betting world without realizing the long-term issues that can arise from such an addiction. Sports should remain as cheering on your favorite team with pride with fate and support on your side for the best outcome. Sports betting can add a thrilling dimension to the fan experience, but the hazards it presents to individuals should not be underestimated. By enforcing strict rules on these measurements, administrators may ensure that the excitement of the game does not come at an excessive cost. With knowledgeable regulation, people can establish a balance that allows fans to enjoy these events without threatening the values that make sports viewing enjoyable. It's time to act before the game turns for the worse.

Attached is a photo from the American Gambling Association for their gambling awareness month in March of every year. If you or anyone you know are struggling with a gambling addiction contact the National Problem Gambling Hotline.