Presenter
Madalyn Lyons; Shayanne Silva
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Background: Following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, sports betting and mobile gambling have expanded rapidly across the United States. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harms, yet state-level post-legalization surveillance data remain limited.
Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2022 (n=1,022) and 2024 (n=1,008) Rhode Island Young Adult Surveys were analyzed. Gambling behaviors and problem gambling (Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen) were compared across years. Multivariable logistic and Poisson regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sexual/gender status, and subjective social status.
Results: Overall gambling participation remained stable (40.6% in 2022 vs. 38.6% in 2024). However, among gamblers (n=803), participation increased significantly in sports betting (AOR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.07–2.56), casino slot machines (AOR=2.99, 95% CI: 2.10–4.27), internet gambling (AOR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.00–2.88), and app-based gambling (AOR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.38–3.32). The number of gambling types engaged in increased by 28% (IRR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.16–1.41). Problem gambling rose from 2.5% to 4.3% but was not statistically significant after adjustment.
Conclusions: Although overall participation did not increase, gambling behaviors became more diversified and mobile-oriented. These findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and targeted public health prevention among young adults in the post-legalization era.
Faculty Mentor
Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Academic Discipline
College of Arts & Sciences
Repository Citation
Lyons, Madalyn; Silva, Shayanne; and Torres, Jadyn, "Changes in Gambling Behaviors Among Young Adults" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 341.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/341
