Football is the king of US-facing sports betting and the American Gaming Association (AGA) is predicting that this season American players will wager more than ever on their favorite. Based on recent surveys and data, AGA President Bill Miller suggests that this NFL season Americans will bet an astonishing 31 percent more than they did last season. It’s a massive boost that, if true, is great news for operators and affiliates alike.
According to the results of the AGA’s American Attitudes Towards Gaming 2024 survey, Americans will likely drop about $35 billion on NFL wagering this season. That’s a solid jump $26.7 billion that was dropped on NFL bets last season.
One reason for the predicted boost, besides increased interest, is that Maine, North Carolina and Vermont have all brought regulated sports betting online since last year. While Maine and Vermont don’t add a lot of players to the mix, North Carolina is the ninth-most populated US state with 10.8 million residents and, more importantly is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
There was plenty of other good news tucked into the AGA’s survey including data about the overall acceptance of regulated gaming among the American public. The AGA found that a full 88 percent of Americans find regulated gambling acceptable and almost half of them (49 percent) have visited a casino or sportsbook within the last 12 months.
Miller summed up the entire US-facing industry’s enthusiasm for the upcoming football season adding, “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.”