The changing landscape of gambling and sports betting in the United States is causing increased concern, particularly when it comes to young people. Although gambling is federally permitted in the United States, states have differing regulations related to casinos, state lottery, online gambling, and sports betting. More than half of U.S. states have legalized mobile/online gambling or sports betting, and since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, almost 40 states have legalized retail and/or mobile sports betting. The expansion of online and mobile gambling platforms and the fast‐paced, highly engaged design of these digital gambling products has contributed to increasing participation and greater potential for harm. The commercial gambling sector has also prioritized advertising efforts, using social media and consumer data to deliver personalized marketing to increase gambling engagement.
Hannah K. Allen (2026) studied this question.