Siena Poll Shows Fears Over Impact of Sports Betting

It seems the American public is beginning to take notice of the damage being done by problem gambling.

The Research Institute at Siena University released the results of a recent poll regarding the public’s stance on sports betting. While it found that more bets are being placed than in years past, it also showed a significant increase in concerns over problem gambling. 

Respondents also expressed concerns about the impact of sports prediction markets and the lack of regulation surrounding them.

Public wants changes to sportsbooks' advertising

The Siena poll found that more people are betting on sports, but also found that more people are concerned about problem gambling.

As a result, the institute saw an uptick in respondents who support crackdowns on sportsbook advertising. Around 53% of those surveyed said they believe operators should be banned from advertising during sporting events. Last year’s poll found that less than 50% of respondents supported the proposed ban.

Several states are considering bills that would limit how and when sportsbooks can advertise. While they face long battles to become law, the latest poll results could incentivize lawmakers to push harder for them.

The results should serve as a warning shot for states with legal online markets, as the poll found a 9% increase in support for federal regulation of sports betting (to 67%). 

A complicated stance on sports betting

While there was a noticeable growth in concern over the impact of sports betting on society, respondents continue to support legal sports betting. 

The press release from Siena shares insight from St. Bonaventure professor Dr. Brian Mortiz on the poll’s results.

Legal and accessible gambling is perhaps the defining issue facing the sports world in the 2020s. What our survey shows is that sports fans have a complicated relationship with sports gambling. It is undeniably popular and becoming more so every year, and there’s wide support for legalized gambling. But the growing support for restrictions on sportsbooks’ advertising during live sporting events, as well as support for restrictions on betting on college sports show a desire for some guardrails to be put in place around legal and accessible gambling.

Prediction markets need more regulations

In addition to sports betting, the Siena poll also asked people about their feelings on sports prediction markets. 

It found that 15% of Americans have used platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket to wager on sports. That includes 33% of men aged 18-49, a crucial demographic for both sportsbooks and prediction operators.

However, the poll also found that 65% of respondents believe prediction platforms should be subjected to the same gambling regulations as sportsbooks. That means the majority of Americans view the controversial markets as a form of sports betting.