A new national poll suggests recent sports gambling scandals are eroding bettor confidence across multiple leagues.
Conducted by GreatBlue Research for Sacred Heart University, the survey of active sports bettors found widespread awareness of high-profile NBA and NCAA investigations, with growing concern about the integrity of professional and college competitions.
The findings highlight how mounting headlines around insider betting and regulatory violations are shaping bettor behavior as leagues and sportsbooks face heightened scrutiny.
This survey consisted of 500 active sports bettors, conducted from November 3–5.
According to the poll, 81% of respondents were aware of the NBA’s ongoing gambling investigations, while 79% said those reports have reduced their trust in the integrity of NBA games. More than 90% expressed at least some concern that gambling corruption may extend beyond the NBA.
When asked how the scandals are influencing their actions, 36% said they are now less likely to wager on NBA games, while 35% reported no change. Roughly 25% indicated they plan to shift more of their wagering to other sports, particularly the NFL.
The distrust isn’t limited to professional basketball. The poll found that 76% of respondents said recent reports of NCAA gambling violations have also weakened their confidence in the integrity of college athletics.
While most respondents expressed caution, 29% said they are actually more likely to bet on NBA games following the recent scandals. This reaction stems from the belief that intensified scrutiny resulting from these scandals makes games safer, with leagues, sportsbooks, and regulators on high alert for irregularities.
Some bettors may also view the turbulence as an opportunity, assuming shaky public confidence could create softer lines, better odds, or exploitable market overreactions. Others might simply be drawn in by the heightened attention and media coverage, interpreting the scandals as added excitement rather than a warning sign.
The poll’s findings underscore a critical moment for the sports betting industry, as consumer trust becomes increasingly fragile in the wake of integrity scandals. With large majorities of bettors expressing concern about corruption in both professional and college sports, operators and leagues face mounting pressure to strengthen oversight and increase transparency around betting activity.
For sportsbooks, the data signals potential volatility in betting patterns, including reduced engagement with certain leagues and shifts toward alternatives like the NFL. At the same time, a notable segment of bettors appears willing to lean into controversy, creating unpredictable market behavior that operators must account for.
Overall, the industry is being pushed toward more robust integrity monitoring, clearer communication with regulators, and greater emphasis on responsible gambling tools.
The poll suggests that future growth will depend on the ability of leagues and sportsbooks to restore and maintain public confidence in the fairness of the games themselves.
