In October 2025, a survey revealed that Indiana voters are robustly resisting the legalization of online casinos, which sets them apart from the broader national trend of growing acceptance of regulated gambling. The survey, commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) and carried out by Pantheon Insight, surveyed 502 registered voters between October 19 and 21. It found that 65% of these voters were initially unfamiliar with the term “iGaming.” However, once they understood it referred to constant access to slot and table games via mobile devices, 58% opposed its legalization. Furthermore, when potential social and economic harms observed in other states were discussed, opposition increased to 67%, with nearly half (49%) expressing strong disapproval.
The resistance was widespread across demographic lines, with 70% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans opposing the expansion of online casinos. The strongest opposition came from seniors (82%), women (72%), and college graduates (72%). Even individuals residing in counties with existing land-based casinos predominantly opposed the transition to digital gambling.
NAAiG interpreted the survey data as indicative of a profound public mistrust of digital gambling, citing concerns about addiction, inadequate consumer protections, and the social ramifications of easy accessibility. “The risks are too great,” many seemed to agree, pointing to stories of addiction and financial ruin from other states.
In stark contrast, the American Gaming Association (AGA) presented a much more favorable national outlook in its 2025 Gaming Attitudes Survey. According to the report, 57% of US adults participated in gambling over the past year, marking the highest proportion on record. Additionally, 90% of Americans now deem casino gaming as socially acceptable. Over 134 million individuals, equivalent to 53% of the population, visited a casino in 2025, and 62% considered gambling personally acceptable.
The survey indicated improved confidence in responsible gaming practices, with 64% believing that operators are committed to safe play, and 77% of players — including 84% of sports bettors — agreeing with this sentiment. Economic optimism was also high, as 77% of respondents felt that the gambling industry benefits the US economy, with 74% supporting legal and regulated sports betting in their states.
These figures suggest that gambling has securely embedded itself into mainstream American entertainment, presenting a sharp contrast to Indiana’s more cautious stance.
Notwithstanding, national attitudes towards gambling’s impact on sports are shifting. A YouGov–Economist survey conducted with 19,000 Americans in late October found that 64% believe professional athletes sometimes adjust their performance to benefit gamblers, and nearly half (45%) believe it happens more often than rarely. Sports bettors are particularly skeptical, with over 80% convinced that athletes sometimes alter their gameplay due to betting influences.
Only 9% of the general population thinks that gambling has improved sports, while 44% believe it has worsened them. Among bettors, just 24% perceive gambling positively in the context of sports. Reflecting these sentiments, a Pew Research Center survey reported that 43% of US adults now view sports betting legalization as detrimental to society, up significantly from 34% in 2022. Additionally, 40% think it’s harmful to sports. This shift in public opinion follows a series of betting scandals across major sports leagues, including the NBA and NCAA, which have been investigating irregularities in six college programs.
YouGov’s BrandIndex reported a declining public perception of major sportsbooks, noting a decrease in brand favorability for companies like FanDuel and DraftKings, both of which lost over three points over the past year.
The data collectively highlights a growing cultural divide: while national acceptance of gambling is on the rise, trust in its social and sporting impacts is waning. In Indiana, skepticism remains particularly strong, underscoring a deeper unease about the role of online gaming in American life. “The cultural fabric is at stake,” some argue, concerned about the potential erosion of traditional values.
Critics of Indiana’s stance argue that the fears are overblown and that with proper regulation, online gambling can contribute positively to the state’s economy, citing examples from states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where online gaming has generated substantial tax revenues used for public services. However, opponents maintain that the risks outweigh the benefits, preferring to err on the side of caution to preserve community welfare and integrity.
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