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Gambling Disorder Spikes In Legalized Sports Betting States

By John Szink Jun 27, 2026 | 8:06 AM

Diagnoses of a gambling disorder are on the rise in states that have legalized sports betting.

Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health condition in which patients often cannot stop gambling, despite the harm they experience.

A new study by private firm Epic Research found diagnoses rose over 60 percent since 2018, with the biggest increase among young men.

However, Epic Research also found a decline in diagnoses in the eleven states that did not legalize sports betting.

Sports betting has exploded across the U.S. following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for states to legalize online sportsbooks.