A new poll suggests a growing number of Americans view the expanding legalization of sports betting as a “bad thing”. The online survey, conducted jointly by the Washington Post and the University of Maryland among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, shows general public sentiment against the sports gambling industry is worsening, with 36% viewing it negatively.
The notable shift in opinion appears to be widespread across varying age groups and genders, including sports fans and even bettors themselves. The poll was conducted in the aftermath of sports betting scandals that rocked U.S. sports in recent months, includingNational Basketball Association and Major League Baseball (MLB) instances of suspected match manipulation.
It represents a moment of introspection for the betting industry, which has been growing at lightning speed across in recent years. Since sports betting was legalized back in 2018, a total of 39 states have opened their doors to industry regulation. Earlier in the year, the State of the States 2025 report by the American Gaming Association found legal sports betting revenue climbed to $13.78 billion in 2024, a year-over-year increase of 24.8%.
Prop bets feel the heat in America
More poll participants believe prop bets should not be an option for bettors, with 27% voting believing the market should be taken down, 23% in favor of the market staying up, and 49% not having an opinion.
Prop bets are seen as a vulnerability for match-fixers to target. Unlike bets on who wins or even the point spread, many prop bets hinge on a single event controlled by one individual. A single player can meaningfully influence the result of the bet, even if the team still wins the game. You don’t need an entire team or official to collude to manipulate the outcome.
Last month, the MLB announced it was working with several major sportsbook operators, including Bet365, BetMGM and DraftKings, to limit pitch-level markets. At the time, Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. praised the working relationship he had stuck up with betting partners. He said: “ I commend the industry for working with us to take action on a national solution to address the risks posed by these pitch-level markets, which are particularly vulnerable to integrity concerns.”
Younger age groups reveal future challenge for betting industry
One voting tendency in the poll will alarm some industry figures, with young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 nearly doubling the disapproval rate for legalization of betting, going from 18% to 36%.
There are several reasons why this result may create ripples of anxiety. Ages 18–34 are among the most valuable cohorts for mobile betting growth; if concern in that group rises, it threatens long-term customer lifetime value and makes the industry look like it’s “burning” its future audience. It also suggests a structural trust problem, not a temporary mood shift.
The shift in sentiment also carries regulatory implications. Lawmakers have historically justified intervention in gambling markets by pointing to public concern among vulnerable or high-exposure groups. Recently, in Michigan, a pair of Senate Bills was introduced that would regulate the presence of gambling advertising.
The two pieces of legislation, Senate Bills 713 and 714, were introduced by Senator Erika Geiss (D-District 1) and sponsored by four other Democrats and one Republican. The purpose of each is to hold the industry’s feet to the fire by ensuring ads are truthful, responsible, and not aimed at people under 21.
Industry analysts say sportsbook operators are likely to respond by tightening integrity monitoring, scaling back high-risk prop markets, and moderating advertising practices, steps already reflected in MLB’s move to restrict pitch-level betting and in recent state proposals aimed at curbing gambling advertising exposure.
References
- Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/12/15/sports-betting-poll/
- American Gaming: State Of The States: https://www.americangaming.org/resources/state-of-the-states-2025/
- MLB: https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-mlb-in-collaboration-with-major-sportsbook-partners-announce-new-limits-on-pitch-level-markets
- Huron Daily Tribune: https://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/michigan-gambling-ad-bills-21194968.php
