Behavioral research on sports betting and consumer protection.

We study how bettors make decisions, what they understand about risk and regulation, and what that means for consumer policy.

Start a project → Browse the research library

Latest white paper

Betting Without a Safety Net →

Clients and research partners

American Gaming Association
Atlanta Braves
FanDuel
Florida Panthers
Los Angeles Football Club
Major League Baseball
New York Mets
New York Rangers
San Jose Sharks
Sports Betting Alliance

What we do

Understanding sports bettors to make policy and consumer protections more effective.

Every project examines how sports bettors make decisions, what they perceive, and how they behave, and uses that evidence to inform more effective policy and consumer protections.

Consumer protection policy

Evidence on how bettors perceive regulation, safeguards, and risk, so policymakers can design protections people understand and use.

Responsible gambling interventions

Experiments that test which messages, tools, and program designs shift intentions and self-regulation, and for whom.

Audience and motivation research

Segmentation that identifies who bets, why they bet, and how they bet, so programs reach the people most likely to benefit.

Fan engagement and partnerships

Research for teams and leagues on fan identity, community, and the value of partnerships, including how betting fits the fan experience.

Research library

Recent white papers

View the full library →

White paper · American Gaming Association · February 2026

Betting Without a Safety Net: Consumer protection gaps for sports bettors on prediction platforms

A national survey of 1,026 active sports bettors and a platform audit show that many prediction platform users believe gaming regulators protect them, even though those platforms operate outside state gaming oversight.

34%

of prediction platform bettors recall seeing any responsible gaming message or tool, compared with 78% of sportsbook users

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White paper · ESPN and UNLV International Gaming Institute · April 2026

What Makes Responsible Sports Betting Messages Work for Sports Fans?

A national experiment with 734 NFL fans finds that clear, informational messages outperform emotional appeals, celebrity endorsements, and league branding. Written with Michael Naraine, Ph.D., of Brock University.

Clarity over creativity

Messages that help fans think, and tell them what to do, drive responsible play

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Research featured in

CDC Gaming · Global Gaming Business · InGame · Sports Business Journal · Yahoo Sports

Principal

Dr. Brandon Mastromartino

Director and Associate Professor, Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming at San Diego State University

His research connects the psychology of sports bettors, including their motivations, beliefs, and perceptions of risk, to the policies and institutions that shape their choices. Experiential Insights is where that research meets the organizations putting it into practice, with a commitment to translating evidence into effective policy solutions and consumer protections.

ESPN Research Fellow, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Global Gaming Business 25 People to Watch
Emerging Leaders in Gaming 40 Under 40

Academic profile and publications ↗

Contact

Let’s turn your question into evidence.

Tell me the decision you are facing, and I will outline the research that can inform it.

brandon@experientialinsights.com LinkedIn ↗