Online sports betting continues to expand across the United States, with new survey data showing a growing share of Americans participating even as concerns about its broader effects intensify.

A study conducted by the Siena Research Institute in partnership with St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication found that 27% of Americans now hold an active account with an online sportsbook. That figure represents an increase from 22% in 2025 and 19% in 2024, pointing to steady growth over recent years. In addition, 33% of respondents said they have opened a betting account at some point.

Participation remains especially high among younger men, with 52% of those aged 18 to 49 reporting active accounts. Overall, 22% of Americans identify as bettors, while 46% of men in that same age group reported placing wagers.

Growth Continues as Betting Habits Remain Stable

While the number of users has increased, the way people engage with online sportsbooks has shown little change since 2024. Among those with accounts, 83% said they have placed bets, a level consistent with the previous year.

Entertainment remains the main driver of participation. Survey results show that 92% of bettors view the activity as fun and exciting, while 89% say it enhances their interest in watching games live. Financial incentives also play a role, with 85% saying they believe they can make money, and an equal share reporting that they enjoy analyzing statistics to improve their chances. Another 83% said they favor bets such as parlays or futures that offer higher payouts.

“The results show that online sports betting remains an active part of life for a significant portion of Americans,” said Don Levy, SRI’s Director. “Since we began asking respondents about online sports betting in 2024, there has been a steady rise in those who say they have an active account – from about one-in-five to now one-in-four – and the share of respondents who bet on these platforms has grown just as much – from seventeen percent of Americans in 2024 to twenty-two percent in 2026. ”

Despite the steady engagement, indicators tied to potential gambling harm have increased. Sixty percent of bettors said they have “chased” losses by placing larger bets after losing, up from 52% in 2025. The proportion of bettors wagering $100 or more in a single day rose to 63%, compared with 56% a year earlier.

Concerns from others have also become more common, with 31% of bettors saying someone has raised issues about their gambling behavior. Many respondents acknowledged personal struggles, with 42% reporting they have bet more than intended and 43% saying they felt bad after losing. The share of bettors seeking help rose to 15%, compared with 9% in previous years, while 22% of all respondents said they know someone who has experienced problems with online sports betting.

Public Opinion Reflects Both Support and Concern

The survey highlights mixed attitudes toward the expansion of sports betting. Half of respondents support legalizing online sportsbooks nationwide, and nearly as many view betting as a legitimate form of entertainment.

At the same time, a growing number of Americans express concerns about its impact. A majority, 56%, believe sports betting could harm the integrity of organized sports. Opposition to sportsbook advertising during televised games has also increased, with 53% saying such ads should not be allowed.

Age-related access remains another key issue. Overall, 74% of respondents said allowing individuals as young as 18 to participate in online betting is a serious concern, including 69% of those aged 18 to 34.

Concerns about integrity have also been shaped by recent controversies. Eighty-five percent of respondents described alleged insider betting schemes involving coaches and athletes as serious issues. In addition, respondents viewed recent NCAA rule changes allowing certain betting activity by athletes and staff negatively, with a 51% to 28% margin.

“Legal and accessible gambling is perhaps the defining issue facing the sports world in the 2020s. What our survey shows is that sports fans have a complicated relationship with sports gambling,” said Dr. Brian Moritz, Associate Professor and sports journalism master’s program Director at the Jandoli School. “It is undeniably popular, and becoming more so every year, and there’s wide support for legalized gambling. But the growing support for restrictions on sportsbooks’ advertising during live sporting events as well as support for restrictions on betting on college sports show a desire for some guardrails to be put in place around legal and accessible gambling.”

Prediction Markets and Regulation Gain Attention

Emerging betting formats are also drawing interest. The survey found that 15% of Americans have placed wagers through event-based prediction markets such as Polymarket or Kalshi. Participation is higher among avid sports fans and younger men.

Most respondents favor applying similar regulations to these platforms as those governing traditional sportsbooks. About 65% said prediction markets should fall under the same rules if they allow users to profit from forecasting sports outcomes.

Support for broader regulation has also increased. The survey found that 67% of respondents back stronger federal oversight aimed at protecting consumers from compulsive gambling, up from 58% in 2025. The SAFE Bet Act continues to receive majority support across demographic groups.

Interest in prop bets remains consistent, with roughly three-quarters of bettors saying they participate in wagers tied to specific in-game events. However, 66% of respondents expressed concern that such betting in college sports could place pressure on student-athletes. A majority also supports efforts by leagues such as the NFL to limit certain types of wagers.

The findings, based on responses from more than 3,000 U.S. residents collected between February 16 and February 27, 2026, reflect a shifting landscape. Participation in online sports betting continues to grow, while debates over its regulation, social impact, and influence on sports persist.