Study links gambling ads to betting activity, searches for help
From social media feeds to sports broadcasts, gambling ads have become increasingly difficult to avoid. New CU Boulder research links gambling advertising to more gambling activity and more searches for help with problem gambling.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has found a link between gambling advertisements and increased gambling activity, as well as a rise in searches for help with problem gambling. Researchers analyzed data from 41 states and 419 users, revealing that exposure to gambling ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and X was associated with gambling behavior, frequency and website visits.
Although the study was correlational and did not establish causation, the researchers observed that in 8.3% of cases, gambling advertisements served after 24 hours of no observed gambling activity were followed by gambling behavior within the same day. The study also found that the association between advertising spending and help-seeking searches for problem gambling strengthened over time, suggesting that advertising plays a significant role in driving gambling activity and seeking help across the United States.
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