With sports betting now legal in 38 states, experts worry that gambling addiction is on the rise

A public health crisis is rapidly taking hold, Congress has been warned, with “all available evidence” pointing to an increase in problems surrounding America’s gambling boom.

Sports betting, now legal in 38 states, has exploded across the US over the past six years. Campaigners and clinicians say addiction levels have grown during this surge, with young people among those affected. Athletes and sporting officials say harassment has risen, too.