- Problem gambling is on the rise in Massachusetts per a recent study by UMass Amherst.
BOSTON – The Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts Study (SIEGMA) conducted by UMass Amherst sampled gamblers between 2022 and 2024 to track trends in harms, attitudes and behaviors associated with gambling. The results of the study show that problem gambling is on the rise in Massachusetts.
Live betting and other high-frequency online wagering options were associated with behaviors linked to problem gambling.
The introduction of online betting platforms has contributed to a surplus in digital users. In March 2023, mobile sports betting sites in Massachusetts accounted for 96% of the handle in the state.
Retail sports betting was recently legalized for Massachusetts in January 2023, with sports betting sites joining the market in the state soon after in March 2023.
The SEIGMA study notes that “Problem gambling is associated with a range of physical and emotional health issues, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance use and addiction.”
The legal sports betting study also found that financial harms rose from 18% in 2022 to 25% in Fall 2024. Family and relationship issues additionally rose from 13.9% to 27.2% in the same period.
Problem gamblers make up 90% of casino expenditures, and have risen 51% since 2013.
The MGC plans to continue conducting monthly reports on gambling attitudes, behavior, and problems in the Commonwealth.
