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90% of Americans accept sports betting as entertainment – AGA survey

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90% of Americans accept sports betting as entertainment – AGA survey

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August 29, 2024February 12, 2023
90% of Americans accept sports betting as entertainment – AGA survey

Ninety per cent of Americans believe sports betting is an acceptable form of entertainment and three-quarters support legal sports betting in their home state, according to a new survey from the American Gaming Association (AGA).



The online survey, conducted by Kantar on behalf of the AGA between July 31 and August 9 this year, collected insights into responsible gaming and industry perceptions from a nationally representative sample of 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and over.

It also found that three-quarters of Americans believe the gaming industry behaves responsibly.

Sixty-five per cent think the industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combatting responsible gaming, the survey found, up 10 per cent on last year.

“These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritises responsibility and provides unmatched entertainment,” said Joe Maloney, the AGA’s senior vice president of strategic communications.

The AGA’s survey also covered some of those who engage with the gaming industry directly, with 81 per cent of physical casino players and 88 per cent of sports bettors agreeing that the industry is committed to responsible gaming and curbing problem gambling.

The percentage of respondents who believe the industry is truthful in its marketing and advertising has risen seven per cent in the last year to 65 per cent, and 66 per cent of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 59 per cent last year.

Awareness of responsible gaming resources has grown, the survey found, with 76 per cent of Americans familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, an increase from 65 per cent in 2022.

Awareness is “particularly high” among industry participants, the AGA said, with 92 per cent of land-based players and 96 per cent of sports bettors familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource.