In 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, leading to a wave of state legalization of sports betting, with a significant portion allowing online sports betting. This shift has raised concerns about the potential public health impacts, particularly in relation to gambling disorder, which is reportedly increasing among young adults engaging in sports betting.
The rise of online sports betting (OSB) platforms has created a unique environment where individuals can place bets from the comfort of their homes, potentially increasing the risk of addictive behaviors and social isolation. To address these emerging issues, researchers are delving into the online discourse surrounding sports betting, particularly discussions related to gambling disorder, on platforms like Reddit.
By analyzing data from recreational sports betting forums on Reddit, such as r/sportsbetting and r/sportsbook, researchers aim to uncover insights into how users discuss topics related to gambling disorder and risky betting behaviors. The study involves scraping and analyzing nearly 8,000 Reddit comments from 194 threads posted between 2012 and 2024.
The research team plans to employ cutting-edge techniques in machine learning, text analysis, and social network analysis to dissect the content, sentiment, and structure of conversations within these Reddit threads. By applying methods like BERTopic modeling, sentiment analysis, and exponential random graph models, the researchers seek to understand how online forums may either normalize risky behaviors or foster responsible gambling practices.
Through the investigation of user-based networks and sentiment analysis of Reddit comments, the study aims to shed light on the ways in which online sports betting platforms can either aid or impede individuals seeking help for gambling disorder. The findings hold the potential to guide interventions and improve support services for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.
The project team, led by Cassie McMillan, an Assistant Professor in Sociology & Criminology, includes Daniel Trovato, a PhD student in Criminology & Criminal Justice, along with undergraduate research assistants Sai Tummala and Gaby D’Souza. Their collaborative efforts seek to contribute valuable insights to the evolving landscape of sports betting research and public health considerations.
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