73.5 Million Americans Plan to Bet on Football
73.5 Million Americans Plan to Bet on Football
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Gaming Association (AGA), there has been a significant increase in the number of Americans planning to bet on the NFL season. The survey revealed that 28% of American adults, equivalent to 73.5 million individuals, intend to place bets on NFL games this season. This marks a substantial rise of around 58% compared to the previous year.
Survey Results
The AGA shared the findings of this year’s NFL betting survey on social media. In contrast to last year’s data, where only 18% of Americans were planning to wager on NFL games, this year’s results reflect a huge increase in interest.
Among those surveyed, 14% expressed their intention to make NFL bets online, while 5% indicated a preference for going to a physical sportsbook. Approximately 37% of fans are planning to engage in betting activities during the 2023-24 season.
Sports Betting Expansions
Heading into this new NFL season, the landscape for legal sports betting has continued to expand. While numerous states have legalized sports betting during the 2022-23 season, even more have joined.
One notable addition is Kentucky, which is set to launch its first retail sportsbook in this coming week. Additionally, the state is preparing to introduce an online sportsbook on September 28. Massachusetts, on the other hand, legalized sports betting in 2022 but didn’t see retail sports betting until January 31, 2023, right in time for the 2023 Super Bowl. The state’s online sportsbooks became available in March 2023.
New Offerings From Sportsbooks
Sportsbooks across the board are increasingly focusing on expanding their offerings in parlay and in-game betting, and these avenues are proving to be the primary sources of growth for them.
Parlays are particularly appealing to the betting public because they offer the appealing possibility of significant wins. At the same time, bookmakers benefit from higher hold rates on parlays and view them as a valuable addition to their portfolio. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins characterizes this dynamic as a “win-win” situation for both bettors and bookmakers.
The rise of in-game betting options is enhancing fan engagement, which is a win for sports franchises and media companies alike. When you combine the allure of parlays with the excitement of in-game betting, it creates a recipe for substantial growth and impressive numbers in the sports betting world.
Conclusion
The surge in sports betting popularity is undeniable, with major players in the industry making their version of sportsbooks either online or in physical locations. ESPN, a prominent sports media outlet, is set to launch ESPN BET later this fall in partnership with PENN Entertainment, further solidifying its presence in the sports betting arena. Additionally, Fanatics, the NFL’s official merchandising partner, has made its debut in the sports betting world by recently introducing its app in four states.
As legal NFL betting enters its fifth season, the AGA highlights that American sportsbooks have seen over $250 billion in bets since 2018. This underscores the significant growth and popularity of NFL wagering in recent years. For NFL fans, the enthusiasm towards betting is evident, with 37% of them planning to place at least one wager on NFL games this year.
