With the rise of gambling across the United States, harms have increased significantly. This study analyzes the increased exposure of youth and adults to messaging, content, and access to online gambling, and the harm it creates. While kids are exposed to gambling through television, sports, and video games, parents remain relatively unaware of the harm that exposure to this industry is having on their children. Online gambling removes the friction that tends to slightly mitigate harms, making it much more accessible and therefore, dangerous.
STUDY: “Sports Betting Legalization’s Impact on Child Maltreatment: Evidence from Child Protective Services Reports” | University of Oregon
July 7, 2026
By Eric Wilken Research using Child Protective Services data shows sports betting legalization increased substantiated child maltreatment reports by 5–7%. The study leveraged the