The Impact of Legalized Sports Betting on Marriages and Divorce

4.9

Our Google Reviews

Sports Betting and Divorce

Is Sports Betting Causing Divorces?

Sports betting and divorce can collide when gambling losses or secret accounts impact community property. This article explains financial disclosure, tracing separate property, budgeting during separation, and when counseling or protective measures help—so Dallas spouses can plan, document risk, and choose settlement options that safeguard the family.

Summary:

In this radio segment, Jennifer Hargrave, founder of Hargrave Family Law in Dallas, discusses the effects of legalized sports betting on marriages and divorces. While the 2018 Supreme Court decision to legalize sports gambling nationwide hasn’t caused a dramatic increase in gambling-related divorces, it has made gambling more accessible, exacerbating existing marital issues. Hargrave explains that gambling often acts as a symptom of deeper relationship problems, such as lack of communication and betrayal. She highlights the emotional and financial consequences, comparing them to issues like hidden credit card debt or infidelity. Hargrave also explores solutions such as mediation, which can offer privacy and flexibility in resolving disputes, and the concept of a “waste of assets” claim, applicable in cases of reckless spending on gambling or other destructive behaviors.

Transcript

Gordon Deal:
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a decades-old federal law against sports betting, ushering in a flood of betting platforms and apps that are now legal in most states and advertised heavily nationwide, and that has put a strain on some marriages. More now from Jennifer Hargrave. She is the founder of Hargrave Family Law in Dallas, and we’re talking about legalized sports betting and its potential impact on divorce.

All right, so we got this famous case in 2018 with the Supreme Court essentially legalizing sports gambling. Have you seen like an increase in divorce issues since then?

Jennifer Hargrave:
I’m trying to think of like— I mean, yes, we’ve definitely seen more cases where gambling is sort of at the heart of the problems. So, pre-2018 there were still cases, you know? I mean, when you discover that your spouse has gambled away what you thought was your savings for your daughter’s wedding or for college, and that money is no longer there, it can be a huge, devastating blow to the family.

So, you know, have I seen a dramatic uptick since 2018? I wouldn’t say that. I think it’s pretty consistent, but it is a huge issue that does divide a lot of families.

Gordon Deal:
Is it generally the issue, or were there things happening before then, and the sports gambling became the straw that broke the camel’s back?

Jennifer Hargrave:
Right. You know, I mean, I think divorce usually comes about because of a host of symptoms that are indicative of an underlying problem in the relationship. So, you know, if somebody’s sneaking off and gambling, if they didn’t have gambling to do, they’d be sneaking off and doing something else, spending money other ways, probably.

So, you know, I think legalizing gambling has certainly made gambling easier and more accessible, and so we see more people struggling with it. Would they be struggling with something else? Maybe, I don’t know, but, you know, it does. It does come up, for sure.

Gordon Deal:
Yeah, I may have to introduce a psychiatrist into this conversation, right? Is it always about the money here? Is it kind of about priorities?

Jennifer Hargrave:
I think the thing that I see in my clients who discover that this has happened is just a deep, deep sense of betrayal, like, you know, an infidelity at a level that is devastating not only to the relationship, but to the financial future of the family. So the consequences are very, very severe.

And I think that’s the hard thing. You know, if somebody were going to take rehabilitative steps and go into some kind of gambling problem camp, which is, you know, addiction-related, you know, there may be hope for the family. So I would certainly, you know, want to get other professionals involved to help with that.

But if it’s just the behavior of sneaking around, you know, it’s similar to if you discover your spouse has a lot of credit card debt, or your spouse has been spending money on ways that you didn’t know about. It’s just that deep sense of betrayal. And really, the underlying problem there, right, is that they’re not communicating about these things. They’re not in agreement. There’s sneaky behavior going on because they can’t communicate. And that’s, that’s what we see.

Gordon Deal:
We’re speaking with Attorney Jennifer Hargrave, founder of Hargrave Family Law. She’s based in Dallas, and we’re talking about the impact of legalized sports betting on divorces. Generally speaking, she says it’s not necessarily a thing—if there’s maybe been a slight uptick. What about mediation? Does it work in these situations?

Jennifer Hargrave:
Mediation can be incredibly helpful. The thing I love about mediation is that we can get a lot more creative when it comes to dividing assets. You know, I think it’s important—in Texas and other states with similar rules—you know, there is such a thing as a waste of assets claim.

So, if somebody has just made really poor decisions and engaged in high-risk activity, that can form the basis of it. So we can, you know, theoretically, reconstitute the estate, but we can have a lot of those conversations in mediation. And the great thing about mediation is that it’s private, so all these details are not being aired in public, and so for a lot of families, it’s a great choice.

Gordon Deal:
Explain that more—the waste of assets claim? How many things might that apply to?

Jennifer Hargrave:
So, a waste of assets claim will generally apply if you’ve had a paramour, you’ve been spending your money on trips and lavish gifts and things like that, and then also gambling or, you know, drugs and alcohol. Like, if there’s addictions going on there, and you’ve been spending a lot of money on unhealthy activities, that is something that can also form the basis of a wasted asset.

 

Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney Jennifer Stanton Hargrave

Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave

 

Dallas Divorce Resources

Don’t Face This Alone – We’re Here to Help

Hargrave Family Law – Compassionate Dallas Divorce Lawyers

Hargrave Family Law was founded by Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave with a strong mission in mind. Using non-adversarial techniques, our firm advocates for you during this challenging life transition in a way that helps you protect what matters most. Reach out to our team of compassionate Dallas divorce lawyers at Hargrave Family Law for the support you need to navigate divorce and other family law matters. We offer a complimentary case evaluation to start your journey with us. Together, we will work towards safeguarding the happiness and well-being of your family, allowing you to write your next chapter with hope.

Smiling woman in glasses and black jacket indoors

Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Schedule Consultation

Jennifer Stanton Hargrave, J.D. is the founder of Hargrave Family Law, a Dallas-based boutique family law firm that is rooted in empathy, excellence, and empowerment. Jennifer is a seasoned, well-respected Dallas divorce attorney whose career is marked by her commitment to helping families navigate the often painful and complex journey of divorce with dignity and clarity. She has made it her mission to build a robust team of professionals who share this passion and who excel in helping clients build new futures filled with hope and promise.

Collaborative divorce
Business owner divorce
Divorce with complex financial questions
Divorce involving professional practices

Meet Collaborative Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave

Youtube video

Hear From Hargrave Family Law Clients

Testimonials

badge

L.P.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

I felt fully supported throughout the entire process, and their guidance was
invaluable.

David B.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

I always felt heard and cared for by this team of professionals. 10 out of 10 would
recommend to anyone dealing with a family-law issue!

Ashleigh S.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Hargrave Family Law was a blessing during a personally difficult time, helping us
navigate complicated aspects of divorce when assets and minor children were
involved.

Jordan T.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Everyone there was very supportive and our family is in a better place now. Their team
even continues to check in after your case closes, which shows how much they truly
care.

Michelle A.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Hargrave Law’s team not only provided outstanding legal expertise for my family but
also showed genuine care and compassion throughout the entire process. They took
the time to listen and understand our family’s unique situation and always made sure we
felt supported and informed.

Justin Y.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

What could have been a chaotic and emotional process was made manageable thanks
to their steady guidance. We are beyond grateful for the outcome in the case and highly
recommend this firm to anyone needing a skilled and compassionate Dallas divorce
attorney.

Jeremy Y.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

The staff here was always responsive, clear in their communication, and truly made a
difficult process much easier for everyone involved. If you’re looking for a top-notch
Dallas divorce attorney, this is the firm you want on your side.

Sharon T.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Their understanding and professionalism throughout the process were truly remarkable,
and I am forever grateful for their role in helping me find my way to the other side.
If you're looking for a legal team that truly cares about their clients and will stand by your
side with compassion and expertise, I highly recommend Hargrave Family Law. I will
always be thankful for the support and strength they gave me.

Mike L.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

The Hargrave team made me feel heard, were compassionate and thoughtful. Most
importantly, I was comfortable trusting their advice.

Kam B.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

You cannot go wrong with Hargrave Family Law. They bring humanity along with
expertise in very difficult situations.

Christy H.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally overwhelming experience, but the
paralegals and attorneys at this firm made the entire process so much less stressful.

Ava H.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

From the first consultation, I felt heard, supported, and truly understood. The entire
team brings a rare combination of professionalism, compassion, and strategic expertise
to family law, which made a difficult process feel manageable and even empowering.

Liz R.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

They were able to take my case with a very quick turn around. They were personable,
caring, thorough and have been amazing all around. If I ever needed anything else, I
would go to them first.

Soo C.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Divorce a very difficult and emotional decision for anyone to make, but finding the right
legal support was probably the most important decision I made other than taking that
step forward to end my marriage. Finding that legal support can be challenging – asking
around discretely for recommendations, meeting with them and then choosing someone
can be overwhelming. What I found with Jennifer Hargrave and the Hargrave Family
was a team with my best interests at heart. Thank you Jennifer for helping me become
the best, empowered me! My family and I thank you.

Allison B.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

Divorce is very scary, as I’m sure most legal matters probably are, but when you are
going through the process and still having to deal with the other person involved, it can
be a daunting experience. Hargrave Family Law recognizes that going through divorce
is extremely stressful and they are ready to help guide you through it. If you are looking
for an attorney who not only has the qualifications, but also actually listens and cares
about you as an individual, then I highly recommend Hargrave Family Law.

Daine C.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

They were very patient with me and fought hard to get me what I wanted. I look back
now and I’m so grateful.

Kim G.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

They helped me prepare, ease my fears, and provided such clarity and confidence
through the challenges along the way. I am now on the other side and can say I would
have never had such a smooth experience and have the life I have today without this
incredible team!

Erin B.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

My children and family dynamic were always the top priority. Every detail was
communicated to me and thoroughly explained. Jennifer and her staff were always
available to listen to my concerns and address them.

Amy B.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

They approached my situation with innovative solutions, which ultimately led to a
resolution where all parties emerged victorious. This outcome was unprecedented, and
the sense of satisfaction it brought me was beyond measure.

Angela M.

{acf_testimonials_user_location}

“Jennifer was a beacon of hope for my family member at a time when her options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed impossible. Her calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor not just to my relative, but to her wider family circle. And though it may seem trivial, she has such a great sense of humor. Sometimes you need that to get through a difficult situation. I will always feel grateful for the way she so professionally managed to obtain the end result we were all hoping for. I can truly recommend her without hesitation. And if you have a loved one needing counsel, realize there is hope. Contact Jennifer Hargrave. She will fight for you to the end.”