Gambling has long been a popular form of entertainment in America, but in recent years it has become more mainstream than ever. A new study by the American Gaming Association found that gambling is now considered America’s new pastime, with more people participating in some form of betting than ever before.
The rise of online gambling has made it easier than ever for people to place bets on their favorite sports teams, play poker, or try their luck at the slot machines. According to the study, nearly 70% of Americans now view gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment, compared to just 29% in 2009.
One reason for the increasing popularity of gambling is the widespread legalization of sports betting. With the Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that allowed states to legalize sports betting, more and more people are now able to place bets on their favorite teams with ease. In fact, the study found that nearly 38 million Americans have placed a sports bet at some point in their lives.
The rise of online casinos has also contributed to the growing popularity of gambling. With online casinos offering a wide range of games and the convenience of being able to play from anywhere, more and more people are turning to online gambling as a form of entertainment. The study found that nearly 51 million Americans have played at an online casino at some point.
But while gambling may be more popular than ever, it is not without its risks. The study found that nearly 12 million Americans struggle with gambling addiction, and that nearly 1 in 5 gamblers have experienced financial problems as a result of their gambling habits.
Despite these risks, the study found that the majority of Americans still view gambling as a harmless form of entertainment. With the increasing acceptance of gambling in society, it seems that it has truly become America’s new pastime. As more and more people turn to gambling for entertainment, it will be important for lawmakers and regulators to ensure that responsible gambling practices are in place to protect those who may be at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
