Social and economic costs of legalized gambling, and the difficulty of its regulation are the subjects of this Southern Illinois University Law Review article by John Warren Kindt. The evidence shows that gambling causes addiction, bankruptcy, crime, and corruption in its surrounding communities. All of the social costs associated with those problems can add up, and there is shockingly little pressure on government or the predatory gambling business to do better.
American Medical Association: Growing Health Concern Regarding Gambling Addiction in the Age of Sportsbooks
The number of states with operational sportsbooks increased from 1 during 2017 to 38 during 2024. Total sports wagers increased