The Washington Post Editorial Board has issued a scathing critique of legalized sports betting in the United States, declaring it a "terrible bet" that has failed to deliver on its promises.

The editorial board argues that sportsbooks have acted contrary to their stated responsible gambling commitments. Instead of protecting problem gamblers, companies actively target and incentivize high-loss players while restricting successful bettors.

Key criticisms include:

• Failure to eliminate illegal betting markets
• Disappointing state tax revenues
• Increased sports scandals
• Rising reports of college athlete abuse
• Predatory targeting of losing players
• Restrictions on winning bettors

The Post calls for congressional intervention, noting that despite early warnings in 2018, little federal action has occurred. Recent legislative efforts like the SAFE Bet Act propose new restrictions including:

• Ban on sports betting ads between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Prohibition of ads during live sports
• Mandatory affordability checks for high-volume bettors
• Ban on credit card deposits for online sportsbooks

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision striking down PASPA, 39 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting. While the industry promised consumer protections, tax revenue, and increased fan engagement, the Post argues these benefits have largely failed to materialize while societal costs continue to mount.

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