A survey reveals that a third of sports bettors have deceived their loved ones, and about a quarter have struggled to meet their financial obligations, such as lacking the funds to pay bills.
A new survey by US News, conducted in July 2025, has shed light on the attitudes, habits, and spending of sports bettors in the United States. The survey, titled the US News 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey, gathered responses from 1,200 participants.
In 2025, sports betting continues to be popular, captivating millions. However, the survey findings suggest a link between sports betting and potential abusive behavior towards athletes. A staggering 21% of respondents admitted to verbally abusing an athlete online or in person after they lost a wager.
The survey results show that a substantial number of respondents (50%) have made regrettable sports bets. In fact, nearly 30% of sports bettors missed at least one bill payment due to gambling losses. Over half of these bettors face debts of $500 or more related to gambling.
Financial coping mechanisms include 24% using credit card cash advances, 16% taking personal loans, 12% resorting to payday loans, and 5% using car title loans.
The survey also indicated that a considerable percentage of sports bettors have inadequate financial reserves for emergencies. For 45% of the respondents who gambled, they did not have three to six months of emergency cash to cover basic expenses.
Moreover, the survey revealed that over 30% of respondents hid their sports betting losses from their loved ones. This is a concerning finding, as it suggests a lack of transparency and potential for hidden debt.
A significant number of respondents (39%) bet on sports with the hope of improving their financial situation. This could indicate that a significant portion of sports bettors may be using sports betting as a means to address financial difficulties.
Experts warn that legalized sports betting correlates with rising bankruptcies (20-35% increase in some states) and increased financial hardship, linked to severe issues like suicide risk among compulsive gamblers. Nationally, US gamblers lost significant sums, contributing to a widespread financial crisis in gambling.
In conclusion, the US News 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey provides valuable insights into the attitudes, habits, and spending of sports bettors. The findings underscore the financial strain and emotional fallout within this population, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for those struggling with gambling-related issues.
[1] Source: US News 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey [2] Source: US News 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey [3] Source: Gambling and Bankruptcy: A Review of the Literature, Journal of Gambling Studies, 2020 [4] Source: National Gambling Impact Study Commission, 1999
- The US News 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey revealed that a significant number of sports bettors not only bet on casino-and-gambling trends, but also on sports, with over 30% hiding their sports betting losses from their loved ones, indicating a lack of responsible-gambling practices.
- The survey discovered that sports betting trends, particularly sports-betting, have led to financial struggles among participants, with nearly 30% missing at least one bill payment due to gambling losses and over half of these bettors facing debts of $500 or more related to gambling.
