Massachusetts Youths Are OK with Sports Betting, But They Face Risks

The NORC at the University of Chicago has released a new study in which it looked into how young people between the ages of 18 and 25 feel about sports betting. Specifically, the study concluded that people in that cohort view sports betting as a “socially acceptable” activity and largely share a belief that they are immune to the downsides of gambling. Young People in Massachusetts Are Accustomed to Gambling – Say It’s Manageable NORC researcher Katie Gallant noted that the interviewees described their activity as “casual” and “infrequent,” with many betting less than $10 through the mobile betting apps available in the state. The study was conducted over three years and was funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, in partnership with Gemini Research, seeking to better examine how young people interacted with sports gambling in the state, and whether that has led to adverse effects in that group. The research examines how young people have been impacted since the passage of House Bill 5169 and its signing into law in August 2022, as well as the subsequent launch of retail and mobile sports wagering, which has significantly boosted gambling activity in the state. The study, conducted by NORC researchers including Jared Sawyer, included interviews with 12 sports betting researchers, policymakers, and vendors, as well as 62 people ages 18-25, and college counselors, athletic directors, and mental health clinicians Out of the interviewees, 71% had placed a bet on sports, with 66% betting while at the age of 21-25, and 44% betting in the 18-20 age range. The Bay State’s legal gambling age is 21. Interestingly, interviewees showed a proclivity for simpler bets, such as moneylines, and generally avoided complex and risky wagers. In fact, people in the surveyed group avoided parlays, even though they are one of the most popular types of wager available. This trend was noted by Gallant, too, who explained: “The preference for moneyline bets is distinct from national trends, where the popularity of prop bets and parlays is [higher].“ Another observation comes from the fact that while fantasy sports and prediction markets are familiar to the surveyed group, their main preference rests with traditional sports betting. “Participants recognized the risks in theory, but many viewed themselves and their immediate friends as relatively immune from the risks,” Gallant further noted. Remedial Action Needed to Address Existing Problems The survey also discovered that a major driver of sports betting interest is big events, with the NFL’s Super Bowl, for example, leading to higher-than-average gambling activity among the surveyed cohort. The survey discovered more trends that suggest sports bettors in that age group are more aware of sports gambling and how it works, along with some of its deeper ramifications. Gallant noted that the surveyed group was aware that sports gambling ads have led to the normalization of the activity, and that such gambling ads were often, and intentionally, misleading. Advertisements that claimed to offer “free money” have had an impact on young men, particularly those of more modest backgrounds. In other words, sports bettors in the Bay State, especially young adults, were aware of some of the most common pitfalls associated with the activity. However, young adults remained confident that any losses incurred from gambling were manageable and were no reason for concern. The survey did not conclude by simply enumerating findings, but also offered a strategy to strengthen safeguards and ensure that young adults are protected. These measures included statewide education and public awareness on gambling harms. Another strategy would focus on addressing any remaining regulatory loopholes that allow underage gambling to still take place, as it could serve as a gateway to more serious harms later on.