A new study has revealed that mobile sports betting, facilitated by smartphones and betting apps, is intensifying harmful gambling behaviors among young adults by offering constant access, convenience, and seamless financial transactions. In response, Congress is actively considering federal legislation aimed at curbing these risks and establishing safeguards in the rapidly growing sports betting industry.
The study, published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, examined the behaviors of 33 Australians aged 18–29 who bet regularly on sports, esports, and fantasy sports (source). Researchers found that smartphones, with their portability and instantaneous access, have normalized frequent, spontaneous, and riskier betting habits among young users.
Participants reported increased betting frequency, impulsive decisions triggered by app notifications, and a tendency to chase losses due to easy access to electronic funds. The convenience of placing a bet from anywhere—during work breaks, while commuting, or even in bed—has blurred the boundaries between casual participation and problematic gambling. Social gatherings, whether in-person or virtual, also play a significant role, as peer pressure and group excitement often lead to unplanned and excessive betting (source).
In response to mounting evidence like this, Congress has begun exploring ways to introduce safeguards at the federal level. Representative Paul Tonko introduced the “Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act of 2024“ earlier this year. The bill seeks to establish nationwide standards for sports betting operators, including stricter age verification, transparency in advertising, and mandatory responsible gaming protocols.
Meanwhile, Senator Joe Manchin’s “Protecting Athletes, Schools, and Sports Act of 2023,” while primarily focused on collegiate athletics, also includes provisions aimed at safeguarding the integrity of sports betting in relation to intercollegiate competitions.
These legislative efforts gained further traction after a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in December 2024, where lawmakers and industry stakeholders discussed the need for federal oversight to address problem gambling, especially among vulnerable populations like young adults (congress.gov).
Experts have emphasized that mobile betting apps exploit behavioral patterns associated with smartphone use, including habitual checking and responding to notifications. These features can trigger impulsive bets and encourage users to gamble larger sums of money on riskier odds. Financial transactions through mobile platforms, often using digital funds, can further exacerbate harm as spending becomes less tangible and harder to monitor.
The study and ongoing legislative actions highlight an urgent need for intervention. Consumer education campaigns are being recommended alongside regulatory measures, encouraging bettors to limit app notifications, reduce financial inducements, and use available consumer protection tools like spending limits.
As mobile sports betting continues to grow, experts warn that without robust safeguards, the industry could see a sharp rise in gambling-related harms, particularly among tech-savvy young adults drawn to the convenience and privacy of smartphone betting.
With bipartisan support building around proposed regulations, the coming months could mark a turning point in how the United States approaches mobile sports betting—a balance between preserving the industry’s growth and protecting vulnerable consumers from harm.
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