According to Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), legal sports betting is far from the societal burden many critics claim it to be; rather, it is an entertainment option on par with dining out, attending concerts, or going to the movies.
In recent years, the landscape of sports betting in the US has undergone a significant transformation, moving from an underground activity dominated by illegal operators to a flourishing, regulated industry.
This shift has sparked a national conversation about its social, economic, and personal impacts.
In an op-ed piece published in Newsweek, Miller points to the overwhelming acceptance of legal sports betting in the United States. Research indicates that 90% of Americans view legal gaming as an activity that enhances enjoyment and social connections.
This data challenges the narrative that sports betting leads to financial hardship. In fact, Americans face far greater financial strains from essential costs like medical expenses and housing.
The expansion of legal sports betting has also generated significant economic advantages for states and local communities. Tax revenue from the industry has been funneled into diverse public initiatives, from funding education to supporting water conservation projects.
Additionally, the legal gaming sector collaborates with over 5,000 state and tribal regulators to maintain the integrity of the market. This partnership has created a safer environment for consumers and disrupted the influence of offshore criminal enterprises.
A balanced perspective
The Op-Ed come soon after an opinion piece by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG) that asserted that “US consumers and the economy are projected to lose at least $1tn to online gambling by 2028.”
The piece combines sports betting and iGaming into one lump sum without showing an understanding of the fundamental difference between the two.
Miller doesn’t specify that his remarks are in response to that piece; however, it’s easy to see a correlation. The CFG, like other organisations, wrongly attributes gambling spend to “losses,” ignoring the fundamentals of betting.
Betting, as a discretionary form of entertainment, appeals to individuals who choose to engage in it for its excitement, often in social settings with family and friends.
The average monthly expenditure on betting underscores its moderate nature. Miller asserts that bettors typically spend under $100 per month—a stark contrast to other common expenses such as dining out ($300) or cell phone bills ($141).
For many, betting is simply a form of entertainment, no different than going to the movies or dining out. According to Statista, total earnings at movie theaters across the US and Canada last year reached approximately $8.91bn, but there’s no major push to ban theaters.
Another benefit is regulatory oversight. As Miller highlights, the legal sports betting industry in the US is among the most regulated industries, with significant efforts directed toward promoting responsible gaming.
Licensed operators offer tools such as deposit limits, time caps, and self-exclusion options to help consumers manage their engagement. These safeguards are a marked improvement over the unregulated operations of the past, where illegal bookmakers offered no protections.
The industry’s commitment to consumer protection extends beyond regulatory compliance. Legal operators invest nearly $500 million annually in responsible gaming education and services.
Sports betting ads frequently highlight these resources, making them more accessible to consumers. This approach reflects a focus on ensuring that participants engage responsibly.
More education, less condemnation
While critics often focus on worst-case scenarios involving gambling addiction, the vast majority of sports bettors participate responsibly. Like any form of entertainment, there is a minority of individuals for whom betting may become problematic.
However, Miller emphasizes that demonizing the entire industry based on isolated cases undermines the progress made in creating a regulated and safe marketplace.
The path forward, according to Miller, lies in expanding consumer education and responsible gaming tools. By fostering collaboration between operators, regulators, and communities, the industry can continue to evolve while prioritizing consumer protection.