As online sports betting gains traction among Americans, there is an increasing call for legal and regulatory measures to ensure safe gambling practices.
Recent findings from the Siena Research Institute (SRI) and St. Bonaventure University reveal that 27% of Americans and over half (52%) of men aged 18-49 currently hold active online sports betting accounts. The Annual Sports Fanship Survey also highlighted that 60% of these bettors have attempted to recover losses by chasing losing bets.
The data indicates a consistent rise in sports betting participation in the US: in 2025, only 22% of Americans had active accounts, and this figure was just 19% in 2024. Among those with accounts, the percentage of active bettors remains stable at 83%. Specifically, 22% of all Americans and 46% of men aged 18-49 identified as active bettors.
“These results illustrate that online sports betting is an integral part of life for many Americans,” stated SRI Director Don Levy.
Since the SRI began tracking online sports betting in 2024, the number of individuals claiming to have active accounts has risen from one in five to one in four. Similarly, the percentage of respondents who engage in betting has increased from 17% in 2024 to 22% in 2026.
However, as participation grows, so do the associated risks. The survey, which included 3,084 participants nationwide, revealed slight increases in various negative gambling behaviors.
While 92% of bettors enjoy the entertainment value of betting and 89% find it enhances their viewing experience, some participants indicated that their gambling habits stem from compulsion rather than enjoyment. A significant 85% reported wagering with the expectation of making money, and 83% enjoy betting on high-reward options like parlays and futures.
Moreover, 63% of respondents admitted to betting $100 or more in a single day, a 7% increase from 2025. Additionally, 31% acknowledged being confronted about their online betting habits, up from 23% the previous year, and 27% confessed to downplaying their betting activities.
Furthermore, 42% of bettors admitted to wagering more than they should, while 43% expressed feelings of shame or guilt after losing. Notably, 15% sought help from a problem gambling helpline, an increase from 9% in prior surveys.
Among the participants, 22% reported knowing someone who has faced issues with online sports betting, a rise from 16% in 2025.
Despite the growing acceptance of online sports betting, concerns about its societal implications persist. Half of those surveyed believe that sports betting should be legalized in all 50 states, but the demand for regulation is even stronger.
A significant 67% of respondents advocate for the federal government to implement strict regulations on online sports betting to protect consumers from compulsive gambling. Additionally, 74% view the allowance of 18-year-olds to bet on sports as a serious concern, with 69% of those aged 18-34 agreeing. Furthermore, 48% believe that gambling mentions by sports analysts negatively impact sports, and 53% support banning sportsbook advertisements during broadcasts.
Concerns about sports integrity are also prominent, with 56% of participants believing that online betting could corrupt organized sports. A majority of 51% consider recent NCAA rule changes that allow players and staff to bet on professional sports to be ill-advised. Additionally, many view the alleged insider betting scheme in the NBA as a significant issue.
“Legal and accessible gambling is likely to be a defining challenge for the sports industry in the 2020s,” noted Dr. Brian Mori.