Poll shows Americans’ growing concern over sports gambling’s influence
Americans are increasingly uneasy about the rapid expansion of legal sports betting across the country and its potential impact on the games they watch.
A new poll highlights growing concern over the influence of the sports gambling industry, even among dedicated fans and bettors.
⏳ 1 mins read
📖 Published: December 17th, 2025
✍️ Updated: December 17th, 2025
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Rising concern over sports betting expansion
Poll shows Americans’ growing concern over influence of sports gambling - The Washington Post
Poll shows Americans’ growing concern over influence of sports gambling
Overall, 36 percent of Americans say the increasing number of states allowing people to bet on sports is “a bad thing” — up from 23 percent in 2022.
December 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. EST December 15, 2025
Advertisements for sports betting apps are seen in downtown Kansas City. (Charlie Riedel/AP)
By Dave Sheinin and Scott Clement
Americans are increasingly concerned about the growing influence of the sports gambling industry and remain wary of its effect on the games they watch, according to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll. These negative trends cut across almost all groups — including, notably, the most ardent sports fans and bettors themselves.
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