Confidence in the integrity of American sports is wavering, and the rise of gambling may be to blame. According to a new national survey from Ipsos, fans have grown increasingly skeptical about the fairness of games over the past two years, even as betting participation continues to rise. More and more Americans believe that broadcasts focus too heavily on gambling, drawing attention away from the sport.
Respondents Favor Stricter Regulations
The study, conducted in early November 2025, showed that 49% of Americans believe that sports betting undermines the integrity of sports. That figure marks a sharp increase from 41% in 2025 and 37% in 2023. Even self-identified sports fans expressed concern, as 55% agreed that wagering damages the credibility of the games they watch. For many of them, the prevalence of odds and promotions during play appears to be wearing thin.
Nearly half of Americans agree that sports betting lessens the integrity of the game, a significant increase from earlier this year.
Ipsos report
More troubling is the growing suspicion that outcomes themselves may be manipulated. Almost half of the participants said they worry that sporting events are rigged because of gambling. 47% of the general public and 51% of sports fans shared this sentiment. Older Americans were the most skeptical, while respondents under 50 showed comparatively lower levels of distrust.
The growing apprehension is leading to calls for stricter regulation. Nearly three times as many Americans support increased regulation by individual sports leagues as are against. This data suggests that the public views leagues as the parties most responsible for protecting their own competitions. Support for greater federal involvement is also evident, though at a slightly lower level.
Gambling Participation Remains on the Rise
Advertising remains one of the most contentious issues. Roughly half of Americans favor banning sports betting ads during live games, a position that intensifies with age. Fewer people favor an advertising ban on the federal level. However, more respondents are in favor than against. Fans evidently are not strictly against regulated wagering but want firmer controls.
Despite rising concerns, participation in sports betting continues to increase. 17% of Americans reported placing a wager on a live sporting event, which is nearly double the 2024 rate. Online and in-person betting saw steady growth, with young men remaining the most active demographic. Familiarity and access may be outpacing comfort, leading to rising tensions.
Despite these concerns, one in six Americans reports placing a live bet on sports this year, a figure that has doubled since last year.
Ipsos report
Recent scandals have only intensified scrutiny. High-profile investigations across the NBA, MLB, and NCAA have brought gambling-related violations into the spotlight, reinforcing fears that betting incentives can distort competition. The leagues have begun tightening controls on wagering and imposing new limits on sportsbooks, aiming to regain fan trust without losing their profitable partnerships.
Deyan Dimitrov
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