Overview
- The peer-reviewed study in Health Economics analyzed national survey data using policy-evaluation methods comparing states that legalized online sports betting since 2018 with those that did not.
- Men age 35 or younger who already reported binge drinking experienced roughly a 10% increase in the frequency of such episodes after legalization in their state.
- No significant change in smoking rates was detected following the legalization of online sports betting.
- The results rely on self-reported drinking, which the authors caution could understate actual consumption and the magnitude of the increase.
- With mobile wagering heavily used by young men and rapid market growth—including an estimated $41 billion bet in Q1 2025—researchers urge policymakers to address potential spillover harms and target responsible-gambling messaging.