Research

Why Our Research Matters

The Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research (DASGR) at Morgan State University investigates how sports betting, iGaming, and emerging technologies are reshaping people’s lives, communities, and public policy.

As online betting and mobile apps make wagering easier than ever, our researchers use data to highlight the risks, support responsible gaming, and give policymakers, regulators, and industry partners the evidence they need to act.

Legal sports betting and online gambling are growing at a stunning pace, turning what used to be a niche activity into a mainstream digital industry. In the United States alone, legal sportsbooks generated a record 13.71 billion dollars in revenue in 2024, with nearly 150 billion dollars in bets placed—up more than 22 percent from the previous year.

Areas of Focus

The Center examines the full landscape of gaming—from online sports betting and iGaming to esports and emerging technologies—through the lens of data, public health, and community impact.

Our work explores how digital betting platforms shape behavior, financial well-being, and mental health, while identifying early warning signs of problem gambling and evaluating tools that support prevention and consumer protection.

We also study the role of data analytics and machine learning in maintaining game integrity and detecting fraud, alongside the opportunities and risks presented by innovations such as virtual environments and decentralized systems.

Grounded in the lived experiences of the communities Morgan State serves, the DASGR Center translates research into clear, practical insights that help policymakers, educators, and service providers balance growth and innovation with equity, transparency, and responsible play.