Online Sports Betting Linked To Increased Outpatient Mental Health Utilization

States that legalized online sports betting experienced approximately 5% to 7% higher rates of outpatient depression and anxiety diagnoses and related medication use among adults with employer-sponsored health insurance. The increases generally grew over time following legalization, suggesting a potential increase in demand for outpatient behavioral health services. The study did not establish that legalization caused the changes.

Among men, antidepressant and antianxiety medication use increased by 5.44% and 4.99%, respectively, relative to average use before legalization. Outpatient depression diagnoses were 6.73% higher, while anxiety diagnoses were 7.20% higher. Among women, medication use increased by . . .