BYU Researchers Warn Sports Betting Is Replacing Saving
By Porter Huntsman · July 23, 2026 · 1 min read
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A study from BYU Marriott School of Business researchers indicates that legalized sports betting has caused households to save significantly less money. The research found that American households reduced net investments in brokerage accounts by 20 percent following the legalization of sports betting.
Key takeaways
Legalized sports betting is linked to significantly lower household savings.
Research shows a 20 percent reduction in net brokerage account investments for American households.
Heaviest bettors cut their investments by more than half, according to the study.
The study was conducted by BYU professors Mark Johnson and Jason Katter using data from 184,000 households.
A study published at the BYU Marriott School of Business shows that legalized sports betting has led to a significant decrease in household savings.
Professors Mark Johnson and Jason Katter published the study after examining transaction data from 184,000 households.
According to researchers, American households cut their net investments in brokerage accounts by 20 percent following the legalization of sports betting.
The study also indicates that the heaviest bettors reduced their investments by more than half. Researchers noted that bettors often view online sports gambling as a type of investment.
