UNDERSTANDING RISK FACTORS ACROSS SPORTS BETTING AND CASINO GAMBLING
From poker chips to betting apps, the public image of gambling is rapidly changing. In recent years, online sports betting has skyrocketed in popularity, allowing adults both young and old to bet on everything from professional football games to table tennis tournaments right from the palm of their hand. The growing prevalence of sports betting has many speculating that online gambling may be associated with distinct risk factors that are still being actively studied.
Recent casino gambling comparison research funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) suggests that sports betting in its modern, mobile form can present unique risk factors that lead to higher rates of problematic behavior compared to traditional, in-person casino gambling.
What Makes Sports Betting Unique
Since becoming legalized in 2018, the sports betting industry has seen exponential growth, with total wagers going from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023. This has also coincided with increased reports of problem gambling. The percentage of internet searches for help with problem gambling has risen at nearly the same rate during the same time period, with searches surging 61% since its legalization.
Some sports betting studies suggest that the prevalence of gambling-related problems may be higher among individuals who bet on sports in mobile environments. For example, while about 1-2% of the general population may meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, that number can climb to 16% for those who primarily engage in online sports betting.
Sports Betting Vs. Casino Gambling Comparison
The primary driver behind the rising concern over sports betting is not just the act of wagering, but the psychology of skill. When evaluating the behaviors of traditional casino gamblers versus online sports bettors, it’s important to compare the differences and similarities between the two. Factors that may influence addictiveness include:
- Illusion of Control: Casino games (like slots or roulette) are widely recognized as games of pure chance. Conversely, sports bettors often believe their knowledge of a team, player stats, or weather conditions gives them an edge. The illusion of control may influence decision-making and perceptions of risk, fueling the urge to chase losses.
- Accessibility: Increased accessibility, including 24/7 mobile availability, may contribute to more frequent engagement and reduced natural breaks between betting opportunities. Traditionally, a casino provided a physical barrier to entry, as most casinos are restricted to small geographic areas that require travel. In contrast, sports betting is available 24/7 on a smartphone. This allows players to easily integrate gambling into their daily routine from the comfort of their homes.
- Frequency: Features like “in-play” or “micro-betting” (betting on the next play, pitch, or point) increase event frequency, which may reduce time between decisions and influence impulsive behavior for some users.
- Socialization: In traditional casino gambling, gamblers interact face-to-face, leading to a social aspect that can occasionally distract from the games and bets. Online sports betting shifts the social context of gambling, with less in-person interaction and greater individual engagement.
Emerging Risks Considerations For Sports Betting
Research funded by the ICRG has also identified a strong correlation between frequent sports betting and other addictive behaviors. A 2025 study highlighted that sports bettors are more likely to experience co-occurring issues, particularly hazardous alcohol use and high levels of stress or anxiety. Because sports betting is often viewed as a social, competitive hobby, the transition from fan to problem gambler can be harder to spot than in a traditional casino setting.
The Importance Of Funding Sports Betting Research
The rise of sports betting is creating a growing and evolving population of sports bettors whose behaviors and risk profiles are not yet fully understood. However, this populace has largely been unexplored due to a lack of research and funding. To bridge the gap in understanding sports betting, the International Center for Responsible Gaming supports research to better understand these patterns and inform evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies.
To learn more about our research, visit icrg.org.
