ICRG releases first sports wagering study findings

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) announced today that its sports wagering study released its first findings in JAMA Network Open, a journal of the American Medical Association.

Conducted by Bowling Green State University, the research project surveyed a national sample of 2,806, including 1,553 sports bettors. The research team found that 6.2% wagered on sports during the past year. Younger men of high income, residing in a state where sports gambling is legal, were most likely to wager on sports.

The survey also measured problem gambling behaviors and found that players who engage in general sports betting, daily fantasy play and e-sports wagering could be categorized as a moderate-risk or high-risk gambler. However, general fantasy sports players were not.

The study will follow up with the participants in the sample at regular intervals for the next two years to assess psychosocial well-being and sports-wagering behaviors. This will give the research team the ability to track the trajectories of sports-wagering behaviors over an extended time period.

The research grant was funded by the ICRG’s Sports Wagering Research Fund supported by the American Gaming Association, MGM Resorts International, DraftKings, Inc., Caesars Entertainment, Entain, NASCAR, Hard Rock International, IGT and the PGA Tour.