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Online Betting Linked to Rising Anxiety
15 Oct
Summary
- Antidepressant prescriptions rose 5% after sports betting legalization.
- Depression and anxiety diagnoses increased by 5-7 percent.
- Problem gambling affects relationships, work, and school performance.
In the period between 2016 and 2023, states legalizing online sports betting observed an increase in mental health treatments. A Johns Hopkins University study analyzing health insurance records found that antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication prescriptions grew by approximately 5% for adults aged 18 to 64 with employer-sponsored insurance.
Furthermore, outpatient diagnoses for depression and anxiety escalated by about 5% to 7%. While the study does not establish a direct causal link, researchers caution that the growing online betting industry might be straining the mental health system. Experts emphasize that problem gambling has far-reaching consequences, impacting family dynamics, social connections, and job or academic performance.
