Reports
Author(s): NORC at the University of Chicago
Year Published: 2025
Date Added: January 09, 2026
Resource Type: Research report
This research report examines the impacts of the legalization of sports betting on young adults 18 to 25 years old in Massachusetts. The study was co-designed and analyzed with a community advisory board and used trained community interviewers to facilitate interviews 39 peer-to-peer discussions with young adults. Interviews with 12 key informants were also conducted.Findings include:Young adults often believed that sports betting is okay in moderation, but harmful in excess.Most participants bet on sports only occasionally and spent less than $10, while a few participants engaged more often and spent larger amounts.Awareness of, access to, and participation in sports betting by young adults has increased due to legalization and advertising.Participants were only aware of support through the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline, and product disclaimers.Recommendations include to restrict advertising and increase capacity and awareness of support resources. Also see the three page report summary.
This research report examines the impacts of the legalization of sports betting on young adults 18 to 25 years old in Massachusetts. The study was co-designed and analyzed with a community advisory board and used trained community interviewers to facilitate interviews 39 peer-to-peer discussions with young adults. Interviews with 12 key informants were also conducted.
Findings include:
Also see the three page report summary.
