The 2024 NFL season is set to make history with an unprecedented level of legal sports betting. According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), around $35 billion is expected to be wagered legally by American adults, highlighting a significant rise in both the participation and acceptance of legal sports betting since its legalization seven seasons ago.
Industry growth and state expansion:
The industry has seen substantial growth, particularly following the previous year when legal wagers totaled $26.7 billion during the 2023 NFL season. New markets have opened up in Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont, each launching legal sports betting operations since the last NFL kickoff. This expansion indicates a robust phase of development for the sports betting sector.
Support for legal sports betting is on the rise. According to recent AGA data, 90% of bettors from the past year stressed the importance of choosing sportsbooks that are legal and regulated. Moreover, 88% recognize the legal industry’s dedication to responsible gaming and the efforts to combat problem gambling. About 85% believe in the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs, a slight increase from 83% the previous year. Overall, 75% of American adults now support legal, regulated sports betting in their state, an increase from 73% last year.
The promotion of responsible gaming has gained momentum, with nearly all bettors (96%) reporting awareness of at least one responsible gaming tool. This high level of awareness is significantly influenced by the industry’s marketing and advertising, with 57% of bettors noticing an uptick in responsible gaming messaging over the last year. Additionally, 73% of the public views the industry’s advertising efforts as responsible, marking an improvement from 68% in 2023.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller emphasizes the industry’s focus on safety and responsibility in a recent press release: “With the excitement of another NFL season upon us, Americans are placing their bets with the confidence that the legal sports betting market is prioritizing consumer protection and responsibility. As the season unfolds, the AGA and our members remain dedicated to working with leagues, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure fans have the knowledge and tools to keep sports betting a safe, fun part of the gameday experience.”
Promoting responsible betting practices:
The AGA advocates for responsible betting through its “Have A Game Plan” initiative, which encourages football fans to:
– Maintain a set betting budget.
– Treat sports betting as a form of social entertainment for adults.
– Understand the odds before placing bets.
– Only engage with legal, regulated betting operators.
The AGA’s estimates for the 2024 NFL wagering totals are based on data from states that report their handles by sport, distinguishing between college and professional football. This data, combined with multi-year averages of the national handle from March to February, helps to project a total football betting handle for the season.