Key Moments:
- 58% of Indiana voters polled oppose online casino legalization after learning about iGaming specifics
- In 2025, 57% of U.S. adults reported gambling in the past year, with 90% viewing casino gaming as socially acceptable
- YouGov–Economist survey shows 64% of Americans suspect professional athletes sometimes alter their play for gamblers
Indiana Voters Push Back on iGaming Expansion
Indiana remains a state resistant to online casino gaming, as residents display notable skepticism toward digital gambling compared to the trend of increasing nationwide acceptance. In an October survey of 502 registered Indiana voters conducted by Pantheon Insight for the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), 65% of respondents indicated unfamiliarity with the term “iGaming.” Yet, after learning that it allows continuous access to slot and table games through mobile devices, 58% of voters stated their opposition to legalization. When briefed on potential negative effects observed in other states, that opposition mounted to 67%, with nearly half (49%) saying they are strongly opposed.
Opposition to online casino expansion cut across political lines, with resistance from 70% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans. Seniors, women, and college graduates demonstrated particularly high opposition rates: 82%, 72%, and 72%, respectively. Even those living in counties where land-based casinos already operate remained largely opposed to expanding into the digital space.
According to NAAiG, “a deep public mistrust” of online gambling underlies these findings, as concerns persist about addiction risks, insufficient consumer protections, and the impacts of around-the-clock accessibility.
National Attitudes Reflect Broad Gambling Acceptance
Contrasting Indiana’s hesitation, the American Gaming Association (AGA)’s 2025 Gaming Attitudes Survey reveals widespread approval of gambling across the country. The survey found that 57% of U.S. adults participated in gambling over the past year, marking the highest recorded rate. An overwhelming majority—90%—agreed that casino gaming is socially acceptable. In 2025, more than 134 million people, or 53% of Americans, visited a casino, and 62% reported personal acceptance of gambling.
Public confidence in responsible gaming initiatives also appears strong, as 64% of respondents believe gaming operators take safe play seriously and 77% of all players—including 84% of sports bettors—share that view. Economic optimism is consistent, with 77% stating that the gaming industry benefits the U.S. economy and 74% supporting legal and regulated sports betting within their states.
The AGA’s study indicates that gambling is increasingly embedded in American social and entertainment culture, a perspective that diverges sharply from Indiana’s more conservative stance.
Concerns Rise Over Sports Integrity and Gambling Impact
Although Americans may be embracing gambling overall, concerns about its effect on sports are climbing. Findings from a YouGov–Economist survey involving 19,000 Americans in late October reveal that 64% believe professional athletes at least occasionally change their performance to benefit gamblers. Almost half (45%) feel this occurs more frequently than rarely. The degree of skepticism increases among sports bettors, as more than 80% suspect athletes adjust their play because of betting activity.
Positive perceptions are limited—just 9% of Americans think gambling has improved sports, while 44% believe it has made sports worse. Even among those who bet, only 24% believe gambling’s impact on sports is positive.
Additional data from the Pew Research Center shows that 43% of U.S. adults now regard sports betting legalization as harmful to society, a significant rise from 34% in 2022. Further, 40% say it has a negative effect on sports, amid a backdrop of several betting scandals affecting major leagues and ongoing NCAA investigations.
YouGov’s BrandIndex indicates public favorability of leading sportsbooks is slipping, with FanDuel and DraftKings each dropping over three points in brand favorability over the past year.
Comparing Public Opinion: Indiana vs. Nationwide
| Location/Group | Opposition to Online Casinos | Support for Casino Gaming | Concerns Over Sports Integrity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Voters | 58% after learning details; rises to 67% with added risk information | N/A | N/A |
| U.S. Adults (2025) | N/A | 90% view casino gaming as socially acceptable | 64% believe athletes may adjust performance for gamblers |
| U.S. Sports Bettors | N/A | N/A | Over 80% believe athletes alter play due to betting |
A Growing Cultural Gap
Overall, available polling data suggests a widening divide: gambling is gaining acceptance nationally, but skepticism persists over its societal and sporting impact. In Indiana, that skepticism is especially pronounced, highlighting enduring reservations about the expansion of online gaming.
- Author
Daniel Williams
