{
  "id": 14838574,
  "title": "Online sports betting linked to rise in depression and anxiety treatment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/online-sports-betting-linked-to-rise-in-depression-and-anxiety",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-16T01:40:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-online-sports-linked-depression-anxiety.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study from Johns Hopkins University reveals a link between the legalization of online sports betting and a rise in mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, among adults aged 18 to 64 who have employer-sponsored health insurance. Researchers compared health insurance records from 2016 to 2023, analyzing states with and without legalized sports betting. The findings show a roughly 5% increase in prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, as well as a 5% to 7% rise in outpatient diagnoses of depression and anxiety, following the legalization of online sports betting.\n\nDanielle Piatkowsky, a licensed social worker from Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York, emphasizes that the issues associated with gambling extend beyond financial problems, impacting mental health, family relationships, social connections, and work or school performance. While the study does not definitively prove that legalized sports betting caused the increase in mental health issues, the authors warn that it may be placing additional strain on the mental health system.\n\nPiatkowsky advises anyone struggling with gambling addiction to seek professional help, noting that the consequences of problem gambling are not only personal but also affect loved ones. Online sports betting is now legal in 31 states and Washington, D.C., and the study's results were published on October 14 in JAMA Psychiatry. However, it is important to note that the observational analysis does not establish causation.",
  "summary": "More people are receiving treatment for depression and anxiety in states that legalized online sports betting.",
  "key_points": [
    "Online sports betting linked to 5% increase in antidepressant prescriptions",
    "5% to 7% rise in outpatient diagnoses of depression and anxiety",
    "Study links legalization to mental health strain on healthcare system"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The expansion of legalized online sports betting across the country threatens to place an unprecedented strain on the mental health system by increasing the demand for clinical treatment.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}