MGC & NORC Study on Young Gamblers Delivers Mixed Results

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
Responsible Gambling
Photo by Alejandro Escamilla alejandroescamilla, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Alejandro Escamilla alejandroescamilla, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • The study found the majority of young bettors approve of betting in moderation
  • 69% of respondents said they have wagered on sports
  • Majority of respondents view betting as a chance to earn extra income

It appears young adults are aware of the dangers of sports betting, but that hasn’t stopped them from engaging with it.

The NORC at the University of Chicago has released its findings commissioned by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The study aimed to gauge how adults aged 18-25 view regulated sports betting, drawing on 39 respondents and 12 interviews with industry experts.

The results found a mix of positive and negative views, helping to gauge how young adults feel about legal sports betting eight years after PASPA was overturned.

Sports Betting OK in Moderation

One of the study’s biggest takeaways was that young adults still believe legal sports betting has a place in the US. 

Most respondents believe sports betting is OK in moderation. They pointed to several benefits of casual betting, including social connectedness, increased engagement with sports, and the potential to generate additional income. 

It's sinking a lot more money into a black hole than [young adults] would normally… that being said, it definitely does offer some interesting entertainment and social interactions, especially around watch parties for sports games.

However, they also highlighted the dangers of gambling in excess. Those include the promotion of addiction, mental health challenges, and the risk of severe financial losses. 

Engagement Remains High

The study found that young adults are more aware of the risks around sports betting, but that hasn’t stopped them from placing wagers.

It found that 69% of respondents have wagered on sports. However, most of those young adults did so casually, placing wagers “every few months” that went up to $10. Some respondents say they place wagers at least once a week, typically ranging from $50-$100.

Many respondents wager using online sportsbooks, thanks to the promotions and bonuses exclusive to mobile betting. DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM were the most commonly used platforms.

Dangerous Theme Continues

Most respondents cited the potential to generate income as a reason for supporting sports betting in moderation. Other studies have found this as well, signaling a troubling theme among young bettors. 

Earlier this month, a survey on Gen Z bettors found that 26% of respondents view gambling as a legitimate form of investing. While far from a majority, the number was significant enough to alarm responsible gambling advocates.

Betting to generate income can be very dangerous and lead some to wager far more than they can afford. While problem gambling resources have pushed this narrative, it doesn’t appear to be registering with Gen Z. 

Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

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