SHU Poll: Gambling Scandals Shake Bettor Confidence

Poll shows gamblers reacted to scandals in different ways; nearly a third said they were more likely now to bet on the NBA

As arrests for illegal sports gambling in professional basketball and baseball make headlines, Sacred Heart University—in partnership with Gray Media and CT Insider—has released a new national poll capturing how active sports gamblers are reacting.

Conducted November 3–5 by GreatBlue Research, the digital poll surveyed 500 active sports gamblers nationwide to assess reactions to recent gambling scandals and their impact on trust, behavior and oversight attitudes.

Key Highlights

• High Awareness & Trust Erosion: 81% of gamblers were aware of the NBA gambling investigations; 79% said the reports have affected their trust in the integrity of NBA games
• Growing Concern Across Sports: Even before MLB-related arrests, more than 90% said they were at least somewhat concerned that gambling corruption extends beyond the NBA
• Divided Betting Behavior: 36% are less likely to bet on NBA games, 35% unchanged and 29% say the scandals make them more likely to bet
• Shifting Activity: One in four gamblers plan to increase betting on other sports, particularly the NFL
• College Sports Integrity: 76% said reports of NCAA gambling violations have also shaken their trust in college athletics

“The kneejerk reaction among nearly a third of respondents to switch, at least temporarily, from betting on NBA games isn’t surprising,” said Andrew Miller, director of SHU’s sports communication & media graduate program. “What was interesting is how many—close to 30%—said they’re now more likely to bet on NBA games, perhaps assuming games will be more closely monitored.”

Miller noted that SHU’s next Effects of Sports Gambling Poll will be conducted in early spring 2026, following up on how gamblers’ attitudes evolve as leagues respond.

Major League Baseball recently announced that authorized gaming operators will now cap wagers on pitch-level markets at $200 and exclude those bets from parlays, underscoring how leagues are tightening controls in response to public concern.

The poll’s margin of error is ±4.3% at a 95% confidence level.

View Full Poll Results