Researchers say public health warnings are "essential to prevent the escalation of gambling-related harm and its long-term consequences."

Summary

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine by researchers from UC San Diego and Bryn Mawr College found that online searches for gambling addiction help increased 23% nationally following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting.

With 38 states and Washington, D.C. now allowing sports betting, aggressive advertising and expanded access have raised public health concerns.

Experts call for improved regulatory frameworks and dedicated federal funding for gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and research.