A newly released national survey suggests that legal sports betting continues to face significant public resistance in the United States despite its rapid expansion across the country in recent years.
The poll, conducted by public opinion research firm Overton Insights between May 16 and May 20, surveyed 1,377 registered voters. Results showed that opposition to legalized sports wagering exceeded support by a wide margin.
According to the findings, 47% of respondents said they opposed legal sports betting. Within that group, 32% reported strong opposition, while 15% indicated they somewhat opposed legalization. By comparison, 31% expressed support for legal sports wagering, including 16% who strongly favored it and 15% who somewhat supported it. Another 22% said they were unsure or did not hold an opinion.
The survey arrives as sports betting remains a prominent policy issue in many states following the expansion of legal wagering opportunities after a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018.
Opposition Extends Across Political Groups
The poll found resistance to sports betting legalization among voters from different political backgrounds.
Among Republican respondents, 36% opposed legal sports wagering, while 32% supported it. Another 32% said they were undecided on the issue.
Democratic and independent voters also registered higher levels of opposition than support, according to the survey data. The findings suggest that concerns about sports betting are not concentrated within a single political group.
Poll Director Mark Cunningham said the results reflect ongoing voter reservations despite the growth of legal betting markets throughout the country.
“Sports betting has become one of the most debated issues at the state level over the past several years, with more and more states legalizing it since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that opened the door,” said Overton Insights Poll Director Mark Cunningham. “Even with that rapid expansion, voters in our poll remain skeptical.”
Generational Differences Emerge
The survey also identified notable differences between age groups.
Support for legalized sports betting reached approximately 53% among respondents aged 45 to 54, making that demographic the most favorable toward wagering among the age groups highlighted in the poll.
Views were less favorable among younger middle-aged voters. Among respondents aged 30 to 44, support measured 24%, significantly lower than in the older age bracket.
The findings indicate that attitudes toward sports betting vary considerably depending on age, even as legal wagering becomes more accessible in many states.
State Polls Show Similar Trends
The national results align with recent polling conducted at the state level.
In Wisconsin, a separate survey found that 64% of voters opposed legalized sports betting. Another poll conducted in Massachusetts reported opposition at 56%.
Those figures suggest that skepticism toward sports wagering extends beyond national polling and remains present in states where the issue continues to generate debate among policymakers and voters.
As more states evaluate gambling legislation and regulatory frameworks, the latest survey provides a snapshot of public opinion at a time when sports betting remains one of the most discussed topics in state-level gaming policy.
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