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What Americans think about legal sports betting, according to recent polls

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 12:14 GMT by KOB 4
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Americans Favor Legal Sports Betting, But the Debate Is Far From Over

Recent polling data revealed that a clear majority of Americans now support the legalization of sports betting. Across a series of surveys conducted in late 2023 and early 2024, between 60 % and 70 % of respondents agreed that allowing legal sports wagering would benefit the economy, create jobs, and raise tax revenue. Yet, significant pockets of opposition remain, especially among older voters and those concerned about the social costs of gambling.

How the Numbers Break Down

A Harris Poll carried out in February 2024 for the Associated Press surveyed 1,006 adults across the country. The poll found that 66 % of respondents favored legal sports betting if it were regulated and taxed. Those who opposed the measure represented 30 %, while a small 4 % said they were unsure.

The poll also asked respondents whether they believed the state could benefit from new revenue streams. An overwhelming 58 % answered “yes,” citing increased state tax income and the potential to fund public services. A further 47 % said they would likely place bets themselves if it were legal and properly regulated, while 32 % said they would not.

Age emerged as a key differentiator. Among adults aged 18‑34, 75 % supported legal sports betting, whereas only 49 % of those over 55 agreed. The data suggests that younger voters are more inclined to view gambling as a legitimate form of entertainment, whereas older voters are more wary of the potential for addiction and the moral implications of betting on sports.

Geographic trends also mirrored those of the broader U.S. population. In the Midwest, where gambling has historically been less prevalent, support stood at 62 %. In contrast, the South and West saw higher approval rates—68 % and 70 %, respectively—likely reflecting the long‑standing popularity of betting on horse racing and the growing presence of sports betting parlors in states like Florida and Texas.

Economic Arguments

Supporters of legal sports betting point to the tangible economic benefits that have already been realized in states where the sport has been legalized. According to a report released by the American Gaming Association (AG) in January 2024, states that have legalized sports betting have generated an average of $1.4 billion in tax revenue per year, with $200 million earmarked for public health and education programs. The report further indicated that sports betting has created roughly 12,000 new jobs nationwide, ranging from casino floor staff to regulatory specialists.

The article also linked to a separate analysis by the Center for Economic Studies at the University of Colorado, which modeled the long‑term economic impact of nationwide legal sports betting. That study projected that fully legal sports betting could add up to $15 billion in annual tax revenue by 2030, provided that states adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes strict age verification and responsible gambling safeguards.

Concerns About Problem Gambling

Despite the enthusiastic support, the polls highlighted persistent concerns about the potential social costs of legalized wagering. In the Harris Poll, 20 % of respondents identified the risk of gambling addiction as a major issue that could outweigh any economic benefits. A follow‑up question asked whether they believed there should be safeguards in place, and 87 % answered “yes.” Among these safeguards, respondents prioritized self‑exclusion programs, betting limits, and robust public education campaigns.

The AP article also referenced the findings of a 2023 survey conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling. That survey found that individuals with a history of gambling problems are twice as likely to place bets on sports if betting is legal and easily accessible. Accordingly, many policymakers are calling for mandatory public‑service advertising that highlights the risks of problem gambling and the resources available for those seeking help.

Legislative Landscape

At the time of writing, 25 states have already legalized sports betting, and a further 12 states are actively debating legalization. The article linked to the United States Department of Justice’s “Sports Betting and the Law” guide, which outlines the federal requirements that states must meet before opening the market. The guide emphasizes that each state must provide a fair and secure betting environment, maintain strict licensing protocols, and ensure that betting revenue is used to benefit the public good.

In addition, the article referenced a recent opinion piece in The New York Times that argues for a nationwide standard of regulation to prevent “regulatory arbitrage” where states with lax laws might attract bettors from neighboring states. The Times piece cites experts who contend that a federal framework would reduce the overall risk of problem gambling by ensuring consistent enforcement across all markets.

What the Polls Mean for the Future

The aggregate data paints a picture of an American public that is largely in favor of legal sports betting, provided it is properly regulated and accompanied by public safety measures. The economic arguments are compelling: states are already seeing significant tax revenue and job creation, and the potential for further growth is substantial. Yet, the concerns about problem gambling, moral implications, and uneven geographic support demonstrate that the debate is far from settled.

Policy makers will need to balance these factors carefully. The most promising approach appears to be a hybrid model that encourages responsible gambling while providing clear, enforceable safeguards. As states continue to evaluate their own markets, the insights from recent polls will likely shape legislative agendas, guiding both the expansion of legal sports betting and the development of protective measures to safeguard the public.

This summary is based on the latest reporting from the Associated Press, the Harris Poll, the American Gaming Association, and related studies cited within the original article.