Study links sports betting legalization to increased intimate partner violence after NFL upset losses

In a recent Minnesota Senate Committee on Finance meeting, a groundbreaking study on the implications of legalized sports betting was presented, revealing a troubling link between betting and intimate partner violence (IPV). The research, which focuses on the National Football League (NFL), highlights how emotional responses to upset losses can escalate instances of IPV, particularly when sports betting is legal.

The study draws on previous research that established a connection between NFL upset losses and IPV, but it is the first to explore how the legalization of sports betting amplifies this effect. The findings indicate that when a favored NFL team suffers an upset loss, IPV incidents increase by approximately 10 percentage points in states where sports betting is legal. This translates to an estimated 16 to 31 additional IPV cases during the 2022 NFL season alone.

The researchers emphasized that upset losses are relatively rare, with the Minnesota Vikings experiencing only eight such losses between 2011 and 2022. However, the emotional fallout from these losses, combined with the financial stakes involved in betting, appears to create a volatile environment that can lead to increased violence.

The study also examined the differences between mobile and in-person betting, finding that IPV instances rise by about 18 percentage points following an upset loss in states with mobile betting options. Additionally, the timing of paydays was shown to influence IPV rates, with a 24 percentage point increase noted during pay weeks.

As the discussion around sports betting legalization continues, this research underscores the need for policymakers to consider the potential social consequences of such legislation. The findings call for further investigation into the broader impacts of gambling on community safety and well-being, particularly as more states move toward legalizing sports betting.