### How Legalized Gambling Has Transformed Sports—And Not for the Better
Expressing frustration about sports betting in 2025 seems as pointless as shouting at the sky. No matter how vociferously you object, it’s not going anywhere.
Nevertheless, I must voice my opinion—yes, even in 2025—legalized gambling has significantly changed sports, and not in a positive way.
### The Surge of Legalized Sports Betting
It wasn’t always like this. The 2018 Supreme Court ruling that permitted states to legalize sports betting ignited a swift evolution. Since then, the U.S. has barreled headlong into the intricacies of legal wagering, with effects that have been undeniable.
This doesn’t mean my passion for sports has waned. With the Super Bowl on the horizon, my interest in the NFL is at an all-time high. I’m genuinely thrilled for the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles rematch. (*Go Birds.*) But our approach to consuming sports has shifted—sometimes in overt ways, other times in more subtle, insidious manners. And these changes have trickled down to fans and the very nature of fandom.
### Gambling Is Ubiquitous
To begin with, gambling has become unavoidable. I noted back in 2023 how sports podcasts were inundated with betting advertisements, and the trend has only escalated. The NFL and other leagues have teamed up with sportsbooks, broadcasters have integrated betting into their presentations, and sports media is overwhelmed with gambling-centric content.
As former American Gaming Association executive Sara Sloane recently articulated, “The proverbial ship has sailed. There’s not much distance anymore between gaming and the sports industry.”
Whether you’re tuning into a sports podcast, catching a talk show, or perusing an article, gambling is everywhere. And honestly, that’s disappointing. Sports should be about enjoyment. Gambling, in contrast, is merely mathematics dressed up as entertainment. I want to understand why a team might come out on top, not assess whether their odds denote a worthwhile bet. I’m interested in an expert’s evaluation of a player’s performance, not whether I should bet on their rushing yards.
### The Fantasy Football Impact—But Worse
The whole sports scene now resembles that one friend who can’t stop discussing his fantasy football lineup—except now, *everyone* is obsessed with gambling.
The statistics back this up. The American Gaming Association anticipates that Americans will wager approximately **$1.39 billion** on the 2025 Super Bowl alone. Sportsbooks have poured even more into NFL advertisements this year, and in 2024, they accumulated over **$13 billion** in gross revenue. That figure is only expected to climb.
And if you think this is simply harmless amusement, reconsider.
### The Dark Side of Sports Gambling
Since the advent of legalization, gambling companies have adopted the tech industry’s strategy: inundate the market with advertisements, present irresistible incentives, and engage customers early. Suddenly, gambling became affordable and attainable—much like Uber rides were during their early days.
Now, sports gambling boasts a flourishing ecosystem, particularly online. Influencers tout “winning picks” while profiting through affiliate arrangements. Social media is replete with posts about “guaranteed winners” and trending betting phenomena, like the so-called “betting ladder” where individuals attempt to turn small bets into substantial payouts.
It’s alarmingly simple to place bets nowadays. Previously, you needed to go to Las Vegas or reach out to a bookie. Today, you might see a post from an influencer, launch an app, and place a wager in moments. It feels as commonplace as checking the forecast.
And that’s perilous.
### Scandals and Their Implications
Legalized gambling has already prompted significant scandals.
Former NBA player Jontay Porter recently confessed to fraud after intentionally withdrawing from games to assist others in winning bets. NBA player Terry Rozier is under investigation for similar activities. Several NFL players have faced suspensions for gambling infractions. Just this week, MLB terminated an umpire for sharing a betting account with a friend who wagered on baseball.
These incidents tarnish the integrity of sports, yet the leagues appear indifferent—because the revenue they generate from gambling is too lucrative to ignore.
### The True Cost: Gambling Addiction
Beyond the scandals, ordinary fans are suffering financial losses. Casinos and sportsbooks aren’t there to dispense winnings—they make money because, in the long run, the house always wins.
NBC News recently highlighted that calls to gambling addiction hotlines are increasing, with a significant number of callers being young men grappling with sports betting.
Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, articulated it clearly: “We have every reason to believe the growth of online sports betting is a major contributing factor to the increase in gambling problems.”
If you’re of gambling age and follow sports, you’ve likely encountered an old high school associate