Pennsylvania Sports Betting: Rising Problem Gambling & Super Bowl Concerns

As Pennsylvania prepares for a potentially record-breaking Super Bowl weekend, a troubling trend is emerging: a surge in problem gambling that is outpacing the state’s capacity to provide support. The increase coincides with the rapid expansion of sports betting since a 2018 Supreme Court decision allowed states to regulate the practice.

The Rise of Sports Betting in Pennsylvania

Prior to 2018, sports betting in Pennsylvania was limited to small, informal operations. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the industry “exploded,” according to Doug Harbach, Director of Communications at the PA Gaming Control Board, with operators establishing a presence both physically, and online.

Pennsylvania has quickly become a major player in the national sports betting landscape, ranking as the 5th-highest source of wagers in the country. In 2018, the total amount wagered was approximately $245 million. By 2025, that figure had soared to $4.5 billion, with 96% of wagers placed through online platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. Retail casinos, such as Mohegan Casino in Plains Twp., accounted for the remaining 4%, handling $1.1 million in wagers last year.

Did You Know? In 2018, Pennsylvania’s Gambling Hotline received 35 calls and 1,600 requests for self-exclusion. By 2025, those numbers had increased to more than ten times the number of phone calls and almost four times the exclusion requests.

Advertising and its Impact

The rapid growth of sports betting has been fueled by aggressive advertising campaigns. In 2021 alone, online gambling operators spent $1.4 billion on television advertising, though the focus has since shifted to other media platforms. While the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) rigorously regulates the content of these advertisements to prevent misleading claims, it does not regulate who views them or where they are displayed.

Advertisements are now ubiquitous, appearing on social media, within phone applications, and even on jumbotron screens in sports arenas. These ads often feature promotions like free bets and welcome bonuses, designed to attract new players and create a sense of urgency.

Expert Insight: The proliferation of sports betting advertisements, coupled with increasingly persuasive marketing tactics, raises concerns about the normalization of gambling, particularly among younger audiences who may be more susceptible to its allure.

Growing Concerns About Addiction

Experts are warning that the increase in advertising is contributing to a rise in problem gambling. Michael Gagliardi, the Drug and Alcohol Administrator for Luzerne County, noted a shift in the tone of advertising, with companies now portraying sports betting as a “fun activity” to enjoy with friends. This messaging, he says, is drawing in younger people, even before they reach the legal gambling age of 21.

Eileen Panzerella, the Prevention Director at the Pathway to Recovery addiction clinic in Hazleton, points to the influence of “loot box” mechanics in online video games, which desensitize young people to risk and disappointment. These mechanics, where players pay for a chance at valuable rewards, can create a similar psychological experience to gambling.

The PGCB offers a gambling hotline and a self-exclusion list to help those struggling with addiction, but resources are stretched thin. Panzerella stated that the state’s training program for therapists specializing in gambling disorder is consistently full, indicating a growing demand for treatment that is not being met.

Gagliardi succinctly summarized the situation: “When it’s too late.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the number of calls to the Pennsylvania Gambling Hotline between 2018 and 2025?

The number of calls to the Pennsylvania Gambling Hotline increased more than ten times between 2018 and 2025.

What percentage of sports wagers in Pennsylvania are placed online?

96% of all sports wagers in Pennsylvania are placed through online operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.

What is the PGCB doing to regulate gambling advertisements?

The PGCB regulates the content of gambling advertisements to ensure they are not misleading, but it does not regulate who views the advertisements or on what platforms they appear.

As the Super Bowl approaches, the potential for increased gambling activity looms large. It remains to be seen whether Pennsylvania’s support systems will be able to keep pace with the growing needs of those at risk.