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US Sports Betting Legalized: 38 States Onboard, Who Gambles Most?

Sports betting is now legal in 39 US jurisdictions, but bettors in a few powerful states control the market.

Published June 29, 2024 at 4:30am by Sara Chernikoff

Gambling on the Rise: A Record 67.8 Million Americans Bet on the Super Bowl This Year

As per the American Gaming Association, there was a 35% increase from the previous year, with more people betting than ever before.

American Gaming Association

Sports Betting Legalization

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a decades-long ban, and now 38 states + DC allow betting.
It has quickly become one of the most popular forms of gambling.

Revenue Generator

The Washington Post reported that sports betting is the fastest-growing source of state tax revenue.
This revenue funds various state resources: roads, education, law enforcement, and gambling addiction programs.
New York led in Q4 2023 with $260 million in tax revenue, per the Census Bureau.
Since 2021, sports betting taxation has quadrupled, as per the Washington Post.

Big Money, Big Problems?

New Jersey has seen the most significant total wagers at $51.6 billion since 2018.
Gross revenue for operators is at $30 billion from over $360 billion wagered, per the Legal Sports Report.
With this cash cow, concerns arise: are states doing enough to address gambling addiction?
One in four Americans has bet on sports; men and white/Hispanic individuals are more likely to wager, a YouGov survey found.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, resources are available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline for confidential support 24/7.

References:

American Gaming Association. (2024). Record 68 Million Americans to Wager $15.4 Billion on Super Bowl LVIII.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2024). Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenue.
The Washington Post. (2024). Sports Betting and Lotteries Are Now a Major Source of Tax Revenue for Struggling States.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2024). Legal Sports Betting is a New Source of Revenue for Many States.
National Conference of State Legislatures. (n.d.). The Early Bets Are In: Is Sports Betting Paying Off?
Legal Sports Report. (n.d.). Revenue.
YouGov. (2023). Economics & Personal Finance.