Researchers from the University of Michigan and Rice University analyzed crime incident data from 2017 to 2021 to study how sports betting affected public safety after a 2018 Supreme Court decision. They compared states that legalized betting with other places.
The team found higher levels of assaults, larceny and vehicle theft during games and for up to four hours after games in states that legalized sports betting. Crime rose most when results surprised fans, for example when underdogs won. Effects also appeared in neighboring areas where betting remained illegal. The authors say lawmakers should consider better safeguards and consumer protections to reduce these risks.
Difficult words
- analyze — look at data to find meaninganalyzed
- incident — a single event or occurrence
- legalize — make something allowed by lawlegalized
- assault — an attack where someone is hurtassaults
- larceny — the criminal act of stealing property
- underdog — a person or team expected to loseunderdogs
- safeguard — a rule or action to protect peoplesafeguards
- consumer protection — rules that protect buyers from harmconsumer protections
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What could lawmakers do to reduce the risks around sports betting?
- Why might a surprising game result cause more crime?
- Have you seen many people at a sports event where safety was a problem? Describe it.
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