- A study shows that 52% of American men aged 18-49 have active online sportsbook accounts.
- There is a steady increase of online sports betting increase since 2024, but also a pattern of increases in problem gambling symptoms.
- Survey respondents reported an increase in chasing bets, being ashamed of losses, calling problem gambling hotlines, and knowing someone with a betting problem.
NEW YORK – Online sports betting activity is more prominent than ever before, and problem gambling is rising right alongside it. According to a recent study, more than half of American men have an active legal sports betting account.
The American Sport Fanship Survey conducted by the Siena Research Institute and St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication polled responses from 3,084 Americans. The data shows that American men and women are betting more than ever, with 27% of all Americans claiming they have an online sports betting account.
That’s a steady increase from 22% of Americans in 2025 and 19% from their 2024 study, establishing a consistent rise in interest. While inspiration for betting is mostly unchanged since 2024, problem gambling behavior is on an unfortunate increase from prior years.
Problem Gambling Behavior Steadily Rising Since 2024
A rise in bettors makes for an understandable rise in irresponsible gambling. The press release shows that “60% of bettors, up from 52% in 2025, say they have “Chased” a bet (or, made a higher bet in hopes getting money back from a previous bet); 63% of bettors say they have bet a total of $100 or more in one day (up from 56% in 2025 and 59% in 2024); and 31% of bettors report having had someone express concern about their usage of online sportsbooks, up from 23% in 2025 and 22% in 2024.”
That behavior is followed up with an increase in bettors feeling that they bet more than they should (42% vs 37% in 2025), ashamed after a loss (43% vs 37%), and called a problem gambling hotline (15% vs 9% in 2025 and 2024). More than 22% of survey respondents said they know someone with an online sports betting problem, a big increase from 16% in 2025 and 15% in 2024.
Those struggling with a gambling problem, or know someone who’s struggling, should reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline by calling 1-800-522-4700 or texting 800GAM. Gamblers Anonymous also provides chat services and anonymous support to held individuals struggling with problem gambling.
