The United States Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, and according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, we are experiencing the biggest and most rapid growth of gambling in American history. The popularity and tax revenue of sports betting in Pennsylvania has been significant, contributing well over $500 million in tax dollars to our commonwealth’s economy. The $10 billion a year sports betting industry is expected to grow 20-fold over the next six years. Sports betting advertisements seem ubiquitous, with approximately $1 billion spent annually to run prolific ads on social media and TV broadcasts, sports talk radio, and sporting events.

However, many have raised concerns about the unwanted effects of the rapid proliferation of sports gaming. Within the first three years of our nation’s legalization of sports betting, gambling addiction in the US increased by 30 percent. Sports gambling has features that make it more addictive than other types of gambling, including the illusion of control, and the ability to place in-game bets (both increasing the rate and number of bets while reducing the gap between risk and reward). According to one expert on gambling addiction, because of the ease of access to mobile sports betting “you’re never not in a casino.” The increased rates of problem gambling can result in severe negative consequences for affected players and their families, including significant physical and mental health effects. Sports betting advertisements, particularly during sports broadcasts, are easily viewable by children, which some experts believe could lead to an early interest in gambling.
 
Our legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the state of sports and online betting within the Commonwealth, including how sports betting platforms utilize promotions, in-game advertisements, and celebrity endorsements, among other strategies, to encourage individuals to participate in sports betting. Ultimately, the Commission would develop recommendations on ways to reduce problem gambling behaviors, gambling debt, and the exposure of children to sports betting advertisements.

Pennsylvania has been a leader in investments to address problem gambling, and this study will allow us to do more to help our citizens bet safely and would serve as a model for other states to follow. As the sports betting industry continues to grow, we must investigate ways to protect Pennsylvania consumers and minors from the harmful effects of the problem and underage gambling.

Please consider co-sponsoring this resolution to expand our knowledge and consider potential safeguards for the continued growth of responsible sports betting in Pennsylvania.