Sports Bettors Have Relied on Loans to Pay Bills
A new U.S. News & World Report survey reveals that many bettors are turning to debt to cover their basic living expenses.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Gambling
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A survey released in September 2026 found that 50% of American sports bettors wager in an attempt to pay their bills. One in five participants admitted they place bets specifically to cover rent or mortgage costs.
Why it matters
The findings highlight a precarious trend where significant numbers of people view gambling as a financial solution rather than entertainment. This behavior has led to a reliance on high-interest debt that threatens the long-term economic stability of many households.
Americans wagered $167 billion on sports last year. Currently, 25% of sports bettors report that they are unable to control their gambling, and 13% have used personal loans to fund wagers.
The players
U.S. News & World Report
This media company is a primary publisher of consumer advice and service journalism that conducts regular surveys on financial and lifestyle trends.
The details
Many individuals are turning to risky financial products to sustain their betting habits, with 11% of bettors utilizing high-interest payday loans. Among the quarter of bettors who acknowledge they cannot control their gambling, half are already in debt.
Timeline
Americans wagered $167 billion on sports throughout 2025.
Survey results regarding betting habits were released in September 2026.
Culture Shift
The findings from the 2026 U.S. News & World Report sports betting survey demonstrate how gambling has shifted from a recreational hobby to a primary method of financial survival for many Americans. This marks a departure from traditional leisure-based betting models toward high-risk debt dependency.
Readers who are struggling to cover rent or bills through gambling should consider seeking financial counseling or local debt management services. The survey highlights that 45% of bettors have already resorted to borrowing money, suggesting a widespread need for caution regarding personal budgets.
The takeaway
Relying on gambling to cover essential costs is a high-risk financial strategy that often leads to unsustainable debt cycles. Experts suggest that anyone finding it difficult to stop betting should prioritize reaching out to dedicated support services before taking on additional high-interest loans.
Further reading
For more information on the risks associated with this industry, explore our Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WJAR.
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