Epic Finds Gambling Disorder Diagnoses Jumped 60% in Sports-Betting States Since 2018
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 26
Epic Finds Gambling Disorder Diagnoses Jumped 60% in Sports-Betting States Since 2018
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 26
Summary
Diagnoses in states with legalized sports betting rose to 4.8 per 100,000 from 3.0 per 100,000 between 2018 and March 2026, based on electronic health records for more than 197 million U.S. adults.
Young men drove much of the increase: adults 30 to 49 had the highest overall rate, but the sharpest rise came among ages 18 to 29, the group most likely to use online betting platforms.
In the 11 states that did not legalize sports betting, diagnosed cases fell about 30%, though Epic said telehealth growth, clinician awareness and coding changes may have influenced differences between states.
The American Gaming Association said the study reflects better screening rather than more addiction and pointed to about $500 million a year in industry spending on education, research and support.
Researchers and clinicians said diagnosed cases likely capture only a small share of harm, with just 3% to 10% of people with disordered gambling typically reaching treatment as online wagering and prediction markets expand.