Sports gambling has revolutionized the way fans engage with their favorite teams, injecting excitement and financial opportunities into the sports industry.

With professional leagues embracing new partnerships with gambling sites, sports gambling is no longer taboo, it’s now woven into the very culture of sports.

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 to lift the federal ban on sports betting has allowed states to regulate the industry, leading 38 states and D.C. to legalize some forms of sports betting.

The results? A whopping 39% of Americans say they have bet on sporting events, according to St. Bonaventure University/Siena Research.

One of the biggest advantages of legal sports betting is increased fan engagement. Of the betters surveyed, 93% say it’s fun, exciting and makes them more interested in the games.

Placing bets provides an interactive way for viewers to enjoy games, making even the most minor matchups thrilling.

During the latest college football season, my friends and I got together every few weeks to watch games, eat and make group parlays.

Our bets ranged from Heisman candidates on title-contending teams to lesser-known players from the Sun Belt Conference hitting their projected stats.

I’m not the biggest fan of college football and rarely sit down to watch a game, but having money on the line and getting to share that experience with friends has created some of my best memories in recent times.

Some might hear that and think, “Wow, you guys might have a problem,” but for us, a $10-$30 bet every couple of weeks is just the price of entertainment. Win or lose, we still spent less money and had more fun than we would have at a sports bar watching the same games.

That shared joy and sense of community draw in both die-hard fans and first-time viewers, deepening their connection to sports.

On top of that, sports betting generates major tax revenue for states, boosting the economy and funding essential programs such as education and infrastructure.

The sports betting industry generated a record $12.8 billion in 2024, exceeding 2023’s numbers by 32%, according to the American Gaming Association.

The Oxford Economics reports that the legal sports betting industry may generate over 100,000 jobs nationwide. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a recent interview on Houston Chronicle’s “Texas Take” podcast that he is in favor of giving voters the decision on online betting.

With the rise of online betting platforms like PrizePicks and Underdog, sports gambling has become more accessible than ever, allowing users to place wagers from the comfort of their homes.

That convenience is a point of contention for critics opposed to the legalization of sports gambling, as they raise concerns about the potential for addiction.

Gambling addictions are a real issue, and Abbott shared similar concerns when speaking about the possible implementation of casinos in Texas, saying he believes restrictions need to be put in place to avoid leading people down a pathway of poverty.

With nearly one in five Americans engaging in sports betting, it should come as no surprise that 2 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for gambling addiction in a given year, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

However, legal sports betting platforms promote responsible gaming with safeguards in place.Underdog allows users to set limits, cool-off periods, deposit alerts and exclusion periods.

Gambling laws vary by state, with 31 jurisdictions mandating the identification of gambling risks, responsible gaming messaging and a toll-free helpline number, according to the American Gaming Association.

While gambling addictions are a pressing issue, I see little difference between sports gambling and other forms of legal gambling like the Texas Lottery.

In 2024, the Texas Lottery participation rate for any lottery game was 55%, according to Texas Lottery.

That shows that no matter the medium, people who want to gamble will find a way.

So whether you’re a longtime fan or new to sports, placing a friendly wager can enhance the experience, just be sure to gamble responsibly.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, call 1-800-GAMBLER or seek professional help.