Gambling Addiction Concerns Rise as 67 Million Americans Expected to Bet on Super Bowl

Experts warn of the risks as sports betting continues to grow in popularity across the U.S.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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With the Super Bowl approaching, sports betting is expected to see a significant increase, leading to concerns about gambling addiction. Experts say those struggling with gambling addiction may start to lie, hide money, and cross their own moral boundaries. The Super Bowl is a peak time for sports betting, making it particularly challenging for those with addiction issues. Data shows a nearly fivefold increase in tax revenue from sports betting across the U.S. between 2021 and 2025, and over 67 million Americans are expected to wager on the Super Bowl this year, spending over $1.76 billion.

Why it matters

The rise in sports betting has led to increased concerns about the risks of gambling addiction, particularly during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Gambling addiction can have serious consequences, including financial problems, strained relationships, and mental health issues. As sports betting becomes more accessible, there are concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations, including young people.

The details

Experts say the signs of gambling addiction include lying, hiding money, and crossing one's own moral boundaries. The Super Bowl is a peak time for sports betting, making it especially challenging for those struggling with addiction. Census data shows a nearly fivefold increase in tax revenue from sports betting across the U.S. between 2021 and 2025, and the American Gaming Association estimates that over 67 million Americans will wager on the Super Bowl this year, spending over $1.76 billion.

  • The Super Bowl is on February 11, 2026.
  • Tax revenue from sports betting across the U.S. increased nearly fivefold between 2021 and 2025.

The players

Craig Johnson

A licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling addiction.

Ian Hicks

A customer at the Shamrock Inn who believes sports gambling is okay as long as it's done responsibly.

Alicia Pratt

A customer at the Shamrock Inn who expressed concerns about the accessibility of gambling ads, especially for kids.

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What they’re saying

“Usually you're going to see some progression of the process and the person often will start to cross their own value system. Start to lie, start to not be fully truthful, start to hide money from others, which usually is losses.”

— Craig Johnson, Licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling addiction

“Very difficult. You know, certainly the playoffs right into to the Super Bowl is the peak time for people that are betting on football.”

— Craig Johnson, Licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling addiction

“Some of the people I work with have commented that trying to quit gambling in this culture and these days is like an alcoholic trying to get sober in a bar.”

— Craig Johnson, Licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling addiction

“I think sports gambling is okay as long as you're doing it responsibly. It's never been more that you can lose.”

— Ian Hicks, Customer (News10NBC)

“Everything in moderation, right? So at the end of the day, I think it's great that it's an option, but it needs to be regulated to a degree as well. Having ads like during the Super Bowl, I think kids having accessibility to that and seeing that it's not always the greatest.”

— Alicia Pratt, Customer (News10NBC)

What’s next

In New York state, sports betting is taxed at about 51 percent, with funds going towards gambling education, treatment, and sports programs for underserved youth.

The takeaway

The rise in sports betting has led to increased concerns about the risks of gambling addiction, particularly during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. As sports betting becomes more accessible, there are concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations, including young people, and the need for greater regulation and support services for those struggling with addiction.