Following the 2018 Murphy v. NCAA decision, researchers from the University of Michigan and Rice University analyzed crime incident data from 2017 to 2021 to measure how legalized sports betting affects public safety. The study compares states that legalized betting with other areas and examines short-term changes on game days.
The findings show clear, measurable increases in violent and impulsive crimes during games and through the four hours after their conclusion in states that legalized sports betting. The researchers report general crime increases of roughly 30%–70% from the start of a game through the four-hour postgame window, with assaults rising the most — as much as 93% after unexpected home-team outcomes. Effects also spilled across borders into neighboring states that had not legalized betting.
- Crime increases 30%–70% during and after games.
- Assaults rose up to 93% after surprising home results.
- Spillover effects occurred in neighboring states.
The team notes that changes are shifting in places with mature online betting cultures, such as Michigan, where bettors increasingly wager on unpredictable contests. Their analysis points to nonfinancial drivers — especially the stress of close or overtime games — as a dominant factor behind the rise in betting-related aggression. The authors recommend safeguards, stronger consumer protections and public awareness campaigns. The study appears in the Journal of Sports Economics; source: University of Michigan.
Difficult words
- legalize — make something officially allowed by lawlegalized
- impulsive — acting suddenly without careful thought
- postgame — time immediately after a sporting match
- spill — to move across borders or spreadspilled
- assault — physical attack on another personassaults
- nonfinancial — not related to money or finances
- aggression — hostile or violent behavior toward other people
- safeguard — measure to protect people or rightssafeguards
- mature — fully developed or firmly established
- unexpected — not predicted or expected result
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- The authors recommend safeguards, stronger consumer protections and public awareness campaigns. Which of these would you prioritise in your area, and why?
- The study found effects spilled into neighbouring states. How might neighbouring governments respond to such cross-border crime increases?
- The researchers point to stress from close or overtime games as a key nonfinancial driver. What practical steps could sports organisations or broadcasters take to reduce that stress?
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