A recent national poll conducted by Ipsos offers a snapshot of how Americans view sports betting as the industry continues to grow. The survey, which measured both participation and attitudes toward regulation, advertising, and integrity, highlights shifting public opinion alongside continued growth in legal wagering across the United States.
Polling data from Ipsos indicates that the share of Americans who place sports bets has roughly doubled since 2023, reaching about 17% in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of legal wagering across the country.
At the same time, the survey shows growing public concern about the industry’s broader impact. Respondents expressed particular unease about the volume of sports betting advertising and its presence during live games. Nearly half support restrictions or bans on betting ads during broadcasts.
Limiting sports betting advertising during live games is a way to reduce overexposure and mitigate potential harm without restricting legal access to wagering. Live broadcasts attract broad audiences, including younger viewers and casual fans, making in-game advertising a particularly sensitive issue.
Frequent betting promotions can normalize gambling behavior, increase impulsive betting, and blur the line between sports consumption and wagering. They can also increase the likelihood of underage players attempting to create their own betting accounts.
To that end, limiting advertising during games is a way to emphasize player safety.
There are also concerns that heavy advertising during games may undermine public confidence in the integrity of competition by reinforcing the perception that betting interests are closely intertwined with on-field outcomes.
With recent gambling scandals in both MLB and NBA, the need to prioritize the integrity of the game has never been higher.
For regulators and leagues, reducing in-game advertising can be a preventative step, balancing commercial interests with consumer protection and efforts to maintain trust in sports.
Whether shifts in public opinion lead to concrete changes remains an open question, but polling data like this can influence both policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Lawmakers often look to national surveys when considering adjustments to advertising rules, consumer protections, or enforcement priorities, particularly when concerns are shared by a broad segment of the public.
For operators and leagues, the findings may also serve as a warning sign. Growing discomfort with advertising volume and integrity issues can affect public trust and long-term market stability.
This may incentivize operators for voluntary changes before regulatory action is imposed. In that sense, the poll does not mandate change on its own, but it could add pressure on the industry and regulators to demonstrate that growth is being balanced with responsibility.
