Growing concerns: Americans Increasingly View Legal Sports Betting Negatively
WASHINGTON D.C. – A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals a important shift in public opinion regarding legal sports betting in the United States.As sports wagering becomes more widespread, a growing percentage of Americans now believe it has a detrimental effect on both society and the integrity of sports themselves.
According to the October 2, 2025, report, 43% of U.S. adults currently consider the legalization of sports betting a negative development for society,a rise from 34% in 2022. Concerns about the impact on sports specifically have also increased, with 40% of adults now expressing a negative view, compared to 33% three years prior.
Despite these increasing criticisms, a significant portion of Americans remain neutral, perceiving no significant positive or negative impact. The survey indicates that fewer then one in five Americans view legal sports betting as beneficial.
Participation in sports betting remains relatively stable. Currently, 22% of adults report having placed a bet on sports in the past year, a slight increase from 19% in 2022. This includes bets made through various channels: informal wagers with friends and family (pools, fantasy leagues), online platforms (apps, sportsbooks, casinos), and in-person at casinos, racetracks, or betting kiosks.
