The public continues to express concern about U.S. sports betting, according to a recent report from Ipsos. The findings highlight how many Americans believe that sports betting has an impact on game integrity and player safety. The Ipsos poll underscores a need for operators to strengthen responsible gaming measures to regain consumer trust and improve user protections.
This Ipsos poll was conducted from March 20 to 22, 2026. It’s based on a sample of 1,020 adults aged 18 or older. Out of those 1,020, 695 are sports fans. The study included a mix of both sports fans and those who aren’t interested to get an overall picture of public sentiment towards the issue.
In the Ipos poll, a majority of respondents (56%) stated that they believe that betting undermines the integrity of sporting events. This was an increase from 49% in late 2025. The seven percent increase was likely influenced by recent scandals in the NBA and MLB.
Public opinion on freedom of choice in gambling has also shifted. Americans are now nearly evenly divided between those who think individuals should be free to wager as they choose (50%) and those who see sports betting as problematic due to its links to addiction (47%).
Opposition to legalized online sports betting has also grown. For the first time since Ipsos began tracking the issue, more Americans say they are against allowing online betting in their state (44%) than support it (25%).
When evaluating its broader effects, about half of Americans say sports betting negatively impacts bettors themselves, as well as both college and professional athletes. Across these categories, only a small minority (less than 10%) believe it has a positive influence.
As concerns around sports betting continue to grow, the findings point to an increasing need for stronger responsible gaming measures to help restore public confidence. With many Americans citing risks to game integrity and links to addiction, there is mounting pressure to prioritize player protection. Expanding safeguards such as deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and clearer risk disclosures would play a critical role in addressing these concerns.
At the same time, greater transparency around how betting platforms operate, along with how leagues monitor potential game integrity issues, may help ease skepticism. The data suggests that without visible efforts to reduce harm and protect consumers, opposition to sports betting could continue to rise.
Strengthening responsible gaming initiatives is likely to be central not only to improving public perception but also to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.
