Washington, D.C. – A record 50.4 million American adults (20%) are expected to bet on Super Bowl LVII, a 61 percent increase from the record set in 2022, according to a new American Gaming Association (AGA) survey. Bettors plan to wager an estimated $16 billion on this year’s championship game, more than double last year’s estimates.

With the expansion of legal sports betting, traditional Super Bowl wagers are expected to pass casual wagers for the first time ever:

• 30 million American adults plan to place a traditional sports wager online, at a retail sportsbook or with a bookie, up 66 percent from 2022.
• 28 million plan to bet casually with friends or as part of a pool or squares contest, up 50 percent from 2022.

Sports betting legalization is also driving fan interest in the NFL, as more than a third (34%) of NFL fans say that the expansion of legal sports betting has made watching an NFL game more exciting.

“Every year, the Super Bowl serves to highlight the benefits of legal sports betting: bettors are transitioning to the protections of the regulated market, leagues and sports media are seeing increased engagement, and legal operators are driving needed tax revenue to states across the country,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Industry investments in responsible gaming continue to resonate. The majority of traditional Super Bowl bettors (71%) report seeing a responsible gaming message in the last year. Importantly, younger Americans (under 35 years old) are more likely to recall seeing a responsible gaming message and younger bettors are more likely to say it is important to only wager legally.

“As interest in legal sports betting continues to expand, the gaming industry remains committed to responsibly delivering world class entertainment, educating consumers about how to bet responsibly, and combating illegal gambling as we work to build a safe, competitive and sustainable legal market for all,” Miller continued.

Bettors are evenly split on the outcome of the game with 44 percent each planning to bet on the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Background

• 33 states and Washington, D.C currently feature live, legal sports betting markets, with three additional legal markets awaiting launch.
• More than half of American adults (57%, 146M) live in a live, legal sports betting market.
• AGA’s Have A Game Plan.^®Bet Responsibly™ campaign is bringing sports betting stakeholders together to promote responsible gaming. NFL team partners include the Washington Commanders and New York Jets.

Methodology
Morning Consult conducted the online survey on behalf of the AGA between Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2023, among a national sample of 2,199 adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment and region. The margin of error is +/-2 percent and greater among subgroups. Bettors include those who expect to place a bet online, with a bookie, with a casino sportsbook, in a pool or squares contest, or casually with family or friends.

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About the AGA
As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $261 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.

WASHINGTON – Thirty-eight million American adults—15 percent of the U.S. adult population—are planning to bet on National Football League (NFL) games this season, according to a new survey by the American Gaming Association (AGA).

The rapid expansion of legal sports betting has provided increased opportunity for millions of Americans to bet safely with a licensed, regulated sportsbook. This year, 7 million Americans say they will bet legally at a casino sportsbook, 1.2 million more than last year, and tens of millions of others will place bets with friends, participate in pools or squares contests or place their bets online.

“During this centennial NFL season, more Americans than ever before can wager on football in safe, well-regulated environments,”said Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer. “It is clear that as jurisdictions enact policies to provide a legal alternative to the dangerous illegal market, consumers follow suit and seek the protections they deserve.”

The survey, conducted by Morning Consult, also found that nearly one-in-four (24%) American adults say they would place a bet on the NFL if it was legal in their state. As legal sports betting continues to expand, fan engagement with NFL games will see an impact:

• 39 percent of avid NFL fans plan to place a bet on the NFL this season.
• 75 percent of NFL bettors say they are more likely to watch a game they bet on.
• 28 percent are more likely to attend a game they have bet on.
• 51 percent are more likely to watch pregame shows and commentary.
• 63 percent are more likely to gather with friends or family to watch a game.

“Sports betting clearly impacts fans’ enthusiasm for engaging with the NFL. As the legal market grows, it is imperative for gaming and adjacent industries to focus on implementing and promoting legal sports betting responsibly to protect consumers and ensure the viability of legal markets to the continued detriment of illegal operators,” Miller added.

Among NFL fans, the New England Patriots are the favorite to win the Super Bowl (23 percent), followed by the Kansas City Chiefs (8 percent), Dallas Cowboys (7 percent) and New Orleans Saints (6 percent).

Background

• Since the U.S. Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act—the failed federal ban on sports betting—in May 2018, more than $10 billion has been legally wagered on sports.
• Thirteen states now offer legal, regulated sports betting, with five more states and the District of Columbia poised to open legal markets in the coming months.
• Last September, an AGA study showed that the NFL stands to gain $2.3 billion annually from legalized sports betting, largely due to increased fan engagement.
• AGA’s Sports Betting Consumer Study found sports bettors are more interested in the NFL than any other professional sports league (93 percent interested).

Methodology
Morning Consult conducted this poll online between Aug. 7-12, 2019 among a national sample of 11,001 American adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, educational attainment, gender, race and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 1 percent.

About AGA
The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.

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The American Gaming Association’s annual national survey of Americans’ NFL betting plans shows that a record 45.2 million Americans will wager on the 2021 NFL Season, up 36 percent from the 2020 NFL season.

While NFL betting is projected to be up across all wagering methods, betting with online sportsbooks is expected to see the largest increase over 2020 while illegal bookies are expected to see the slowest growth:

Expanded sports betting legalization and high fan enthusiasm for the season are driving the record number of Americans planning to bet on the NFL in 2021.

Since the kick off of the 2020 NFL season, the number of legal U.S. sports betting jurisdictions has grown from 19 to 24, allowing more than 111 million Americans to place a legal wager in their home state.

Meanwhile, 25 percent of Americans say they are more excited about the upcoming season compared to previous seasons, up from 18 percent last year.

The survey also demonstrates sports betting’s value to the league, with 37 percent of NFL fans planning to wager on this year’s NFL season, including nearly half (47%) of self-described avid NFL fans. Further, 44 percent of all Americans and 63 percent of NFL fans believe that in-venue sportsbooks will add entertainment value to attending sporting events in-person.

Along with the expansion of the legal market, increased fan enthusiasm will also drive NFL betting this year, as 25 percent of Americans say they are more excited about the upcoming season than previous seasons, up from 18 percent last year.

Fans from the Northeast (21%) are most interested in betting on the NFL this year, followed by the West (18%), Midwest (17%), and South (15%).

Among expected bettors, the Chiefs are the most popular pick to win the Super Bowl (15%), followed by the Buccaneers (11%), and Cowboys (7%).

Methodology
Morning Consult, on behalf of the American Gaming Association, conducted an online survey August 25-30, 2021 among a national sample of 2,200 American adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, educational attainment, gender, race, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/-2 percent.

WASHINGTON – 23.2 million Americans plan to bet a total of $4.3 billion on this year’s Super Bowl LV matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to new American Gaming Association (AGA) research. Among Super Bowl bettors, a record 7.6 million will bet with online sportsbooks this year, up 63 percent year-over-year.

“This year’s Super Bowl is expected to generate the largest single-event legal handle in American sports betting history,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “With a robust legal market, Americans are abandoning illegal bookies and taking their action into the regulated marketplace in record numbers.”

Since last year’s game, 36 million more American adults have gained the opportunity to safely bet in legal markets in their home state with seven new jurisdictions now live: Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

An expected overall drop in overall Super Bowl betting is almost entirely caused by pandemic-led restrictions, with the largest declines anticipated for retail sportsbooks and casual bets, like pools or squares, that are made in social settings.

Key findings from the survey, conducted by Morning Consult, reflect dramatically shifting betting patterns amid the COVID-19 pandemic:

• 1.4 million Americans plan to bet in-person at a sportsbook, down 61 percent from 2020.
• 1.8 million bettors plan to place a bet with a bookie, down 21 percent.
• 4.5 million Americans plan to place a pool, squares, or similar bet, down 19 percent.
• 11.9 million Americans plan to bet casually with friends, down 18 percent.
• 56 percent of bettors plan to bet on the Chiefs while 44 percent plan to bet on the Buccaneers.

While previous AGA research has shown consumer confusion over the legal status of many online sportsbooks, consumers feel it is important to bet legally: 65 percent of expected Super Bowl bettors say it is important for themselves personally to use a legal, regulated sportsbook for their bets.

As awareness and availability of legal betting options grows, so do the benefits to consumers: 34 percent of Americans remember seeing responsible gaming messaging in the past year, up five points from 2020. Super Bowl bettors were even more likely to see responsibility content, with 53 percent seeing responsible gaming messaging in the past year.

“This data is an encouraging sign that our efforts to ground the expansion of sports betting in responsible gaming is taking hold,” stated Miller. “Responsible gaming is core to legal sports betting’s long-term success, and this is borne out by continued demand for consumer protections only available in the legal market.”

One part of the industry’s effort to broaden consumer awareness of legal, responsible betting is AGA’s Have A Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly. campaign which—along with its partners, the National Hockey League (NHL), PGA TOUR, NASCAR, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and Vegas Golden Knights—educates fans on the fundamentals of responsible sports betting.

Background

• 25 states and Washington, DC have legalized sports betting, with 21 legal markets operational.
• 13 states currently have active or pre-filed legislation to legalize sports betting.
• More than $21 billion was wagered on sports in 2020, up from $13 billion in 2019, generating more than $210 million in state and local taxes.
• Mobile wagering has accounted for 82% of legal sports wagers nationwide during the pandemic.
• Previous AGA research found that more than 33 million Americans planned to bet on this year’s NFL season.

Methodology
Morning Consult conducted the online survey on behalf of the AGA between Jan. 25-27, 2021, among a national sample of 2,198 adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. The margin of error is +/-2 percent and greater among subgroups. Bettors include those who expect to place a bet online, with a bookie, with a casino sportsbook, in a pool or squares contest, or casually with family or friends.

Approximately 13 percent of American adults plan to bet on National Football League (NFL) games this year despite lower enthusiasm from fans in general about the 2020-21 season, according to a new survey from the American Gaming Association (AGA).

Of the estimated 33.2 million adults who plan to bet on this NFL season:

• 20 percent (6.6 million) will wager at physical, legal sportsbooks, up from 18 percent last year.
• 34 percent (11.3 million) will place a bet through legal and illegal online platforms, up from 29 percent.
• 18 percent (6 million) will wager with a bookie, either in person or via a mobile platform, up from 12 percent.
• 26 percent (8.6 million) will bet casually through pools, fantasy contests, and squares, down from 31 percent.
• 50 percent (16.6 million) will bet casually with friends, family, or coworkers, down from 53 percent.

Those who plan to wager on the upcoming season are more enthusiastic than NFL fans overall. Sports bettors are significantly more likely (54%) to be excited about the upcoming season than the general population (18%), self-described avid and general NFL fans (41%), or casual NFL fans (12%). The AGA previously found the NFL stands to gain $2.3 billion annually from legal sports betting, largely due to increased fan engagement.

“The NFL traditionally drives a significant amount of action from sports bettors, and this year appears to be no different,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “While we’ve known for a long time that bettors are more engaged fans—particularly when it comes to football—continuing to drive them to the legal market is essential for protecting consumers and the integrity of the games they wager on.”

Engagement from sports bettors will prove even more important to the NFL as fans report generally lower enthusiasm for the NFL season. 4 in 10 (42%) American adults say they are less excited about this season than last year, citing the increased political activism around the league (36%), absence of fans in stadiums (19%), and inability to gather with friends to watch games (17%) as the main factors contributing to their lessened interest.

Looking to the Lombardi Trophy, 13 percent of NFL bettors plan to wager on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, followed by nine percent on the Dallas Cowboys, and five percent each on the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers.

“The legal sports betting market continues to grow to the detriment of dangerous, illegal offshore operators. The NFL and its teams must continue to prioritize and act on the shared responsibility to educate customers on regulated markets and responsible gaming principles in order to realize the full benefit of legal sports betting,” Miller added.

Background

• The NFL and its teams have formed 26 marketing and data sharing partnerships since May 2018.
• 18 states plus Washington, D.C. now offer legal, regulated sports betting, with another four not yet operational and seven considering legalization.
• Seven jurisdictions have launched legal sports betting since the start of the NFL season last fall. In fact, 29 million more American adults have access to legal sports betting in their home state than the start of last season—a 54 percent increase.
• Nearly half (11) of the 23 states that are home to NFL teams have legalized sports betting.
• The AGA’s Have A Game Plan.^®, Bet Responsibly public service campaign encourages responsible sports betting behavior, including using licensed, regulated operators.

About the Research
Morning Consult, on behalf of the American Gaming Association, conducted an online survey August 24-27, 2020 among a national sample of 2,200 American adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, educational attainment, gender, race, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/-2 percent.

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Gaming Association (AGA) received the Association TRENDS’ Silver Award for the Best Advocacy Campaign of 2018.

“This award is an acknowledgement of the AGA team and our partners’ tireless work to promote the social and economic benefits that legal, regulated sports betting can provide communities across the country,” said Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer. “The results of our campaign’s sweeping success can be seen all across America today, with more than two-thirds of states having taken steps to legalize sports betting. We are honored to receive this distinction, and we share it with everyone who helped to make legal sports betting in America a reality.”

Throughout 2018, AGA worked aggressively to educate policymakers, sports stakeholders and the public about the failures of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), and make the case for legal, regulated sports betting in the United States. AGA effectively quantified the size of the existing illegal sports betting market and the economic opportunities enabled by legal sports betting for sports leagues, states and sovereign tribal nations. The association’s two amici briefs were cited twice by the Supreme Court in its May 2018 ruling to overturn PASPA. Through its efforts, AGA is now the preeminent resource on the subject of sports betting.

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.

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New York, NY and Washington, D.C. – The National Basketball Association (NBA) is joining the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign.

Through the partnership, the NBA and AGA will educate basketball fans on the fundamentals of responsible sports wagering by providing turnkey resources for use by the league’s 30 teams. Campaign content will include in-venue, broadcast, digital and social media activations.

“Responsible gaming is an integral component of the NBA’s approach to legal sports betting,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, NBA Senior Vice President, Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures. “Working with the AGA on this initiative is an important part of our multifaceted approach to this critical topic and will provide our teams with tools to make a true impact on responsible gaming education in NBA markets across the U.S. and Canada.”

Launched in 2019, AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign unites the sports betting ecosystem around a common consumer education platform, focusing on the four principles of responsible wagering for those who choose to bet:

• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Keep it social—sports betting is a form of entertainment for adults.
• Know the odds.
• Play with legal, regulated operators.

“As one of the world’s most popular leagues, the NBA will bring Have A Game Plan’s important message to a massive audience,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “It’s critical that the entire sports betting ecosystem is united in our commitment to responsible gaming, and we are grateful for the NBA’s leadership in these efforts.”

The NBA’s partnership with Have A Game Plan adds to its ongoing responsible gaming initiatives, which include public service announcements airing during games featuring Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen, restrictions on sports betting advertisements, a membership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, and an “opt-in”  focus that provides distinct, dedicated platforms for fans to engage with sports betting, such as NBABet and NBABet Stream, offering them the option to receive sports betting news and analysis across league platforms.

The NBA will join Have A Game Plan’s growing list of partners across the sports and gaming landscape, including Bally’s Corporation, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, betPARX, DraftKings, Delaware North, Entain, FanDuel, Gaming Society, Global Payments, Major League Baseball, MGM Resorts International, MSG Network, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, NESN, New York Knicks, New York Jets, New York Rangers, NHL, Nuvei, Parx Casino, PENN Entertainment, PGA TOUR, Rush Street Interactive, SeventySix Capital, Sightline Payments, Sinclair Broadcast Group, USFL, Vegas Golden Knights, VSiN and Washington Commanders.

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About the AGA
As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $261 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.

January 27, 2016
By Thomas Barrabi

Americans will wager billions of dollars on the Super Bowl 50 clash between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers on February 7th, but only a fraction of those bets will be placed legally, according to estimates released by the American Gaming Association, a casino industry trade group.

Of the estimated $4.2 billion in bets that will be placed on this year’s Super Bowl, $4.1 billion, or about 97%, will be wagered illegally, the AGA estimates. That number is higher than last year, when Americans illegally bet $3.8 billion on the Super Bowl XLIX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.

In total, the AGA claims illegal sportsbooks are 35 times more lucrative than legal forms of sports betting, such as those offered at some Las Vegas casinos.

“As Americans celebrate a milestone Super Bowl, they’ll also bet a record amount on the Big Game,” American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement. “Just like football, sports betting has never been more popular than it is today. The casino gaming industry is leading the conversation around a new approach to sports betting that enhances consumer protections, strengthens the integrity of games and recognizes fans’ desire for greater engagement with sports.”

Sports gambling has been outlawed in 46 of 50 states since 1992, when the federal government enacted the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA. A total of $68.2 billion was legally wagered in Nevada casinos between 1984 and 2014. Football generated $24.9 billion in legal bets from 1992 to 2014, according to data compiled by the University of Las Vegas-Nevada’s Center for Gaming Research. 

The AGA’s estimates were released amid ongoing debates in several states over the legality of daily fantasy sports contests, such as those offered by DraftKings and FanDuel. Critics argue the contests constitute a form of illegal sports betting.

Original article: http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2016/01/27/illegal-super-bowl-50-betting-to-exceed-4-billion.html

Washington, D.C. — The American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced the expansion of its Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign with the introduction of a fifth pillar: “Keep Your Cool.” This new pillar reinforces the campaign’s mission to promote responsible sports wagering by emphasizing athlete harassment is never appropriate.

The announcement comes as data highlights the growing effectiveness of responsible gaming programs across the country. According to recent research, 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming initiatives are effective, up from 59% in 2023. Among those who actively participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree these programs are working, including an impressive 73% of young bettors aged 18-24.

“Responsible gaming efforts like Have A Game Plan and other proactive efforts by legal operators are resonating with consumers and making a difference,” said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA. “‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on this momentum by reminding bettors that a betting result – good or bad – is not an invitation to criticize a team, official, or athlete.”

Since its launch in 2019, Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ has educated bettors through four foundational pillars:

1. Set a Budget: Establish and stick to a financial limit.
2. Keep It Social: Bet responsibly as part of a shared activity.
3. Know the Odds: Know the terminology and understand risks before placing bets.
4. Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.

The new “Keep Your Cool” pillar complements these principles by promoting sportsmanship and emphasizing the social aspects of sports betting:

• Respect the Game: Winning and losing are part of sports betting, nobody is perfect; the result of a bet should not prompt negative actions – in person or online – towards athletes and officials.
• Stay Focused on Having Fun: Sports betting is entertainment.

NASCAR, an early supporter of Have A Game Plan®, underscored the importance of the new pillar. “At NASCAR, we believe responsible gaming enhances the overall fan experience,” said Joe Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR. “‘Keep Your Cool’ reflects our shared commitment to encouraging fans to bet responsibly while maintaining a respectful approach to the sport they love.”

With responsible gaming messaging resonating stronger than ever, Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ continues to foster a more enjoyable betting environment for fans. For more information on the campaign and responsible gaming resources, visit haveagameplan.org.

About Have A Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly.^™
Have a Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly.™ is a national initiative designed to educate sports fans on the fundamentals of responsible sports betting. Launched in 2019, the campaign encourages bettors to set a budget, keep betting social, understand the odds, play with trusted and licensed operators, and keep your cool. Supported by sports leagues, teams, media companies, and gaming operators from across the country, Have A Game Plan® reflects the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming and fostering a positive gambling environment. Learn more at haveagameplan.org.

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the American Gaming Association projects that American adults will bet $35 billion with legal sportsbooks throughout the season, AGA’s first-ever legal wagering estimate for the league’s season.

Driven by the continued expansion and maturation of the legal sports betting industry across the U.S., 2024 is expected to be the most legally wagered-on season in the NFL’s seven seasons with legal wagering. AGA analysis conducted after the 2023 NFL season estimates that legal wagering on last year’s NFL season reached $26.7 billion.

Maine, North Carolina and Vermont have each launched new legal sports betting markets since last NFL kickoff.

Importantly, as legal sports betting grows, recent AGA data shows public support for the industry also continues to grow, with Americans increasingly seeing the industry as committed to responsibility:

• 90% of past-year sports bettors say it is important to them that the sportsbook they choose is legal and regulated.
• 88% of sports bettors say the legal industry is committed to responsible gaming and combatting problem gambling.
• 85% of sports bettors agree with the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs, up from 83% last year.
• 75% of American adults support legal, regulated sports betting in their state, up from 73% last year.

Nearly all past-year sports bettors (96%) are familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, with 57% reporting seeing or hearing increased responsible gaming messaging in the past 12 months.

High awareness for responsible gaming resources among consumers is significantly driven by industry marketing and advertising, which three quarters (73%) of American adults say is being done responsibly—up from 68% in 2023.

Throughout the season, the AGA encourages football fans to Have A Game Plan to bet responsibly:

• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Keep it social—sports betting is purely a form of entertainment for adults.
• Know the odds.
• Only play with legal, regulated operators.

Learn more at www.haveagameplan.org.

Methodology
AGA’s NFL 2024 wagering estimates are based on data from states that break out handle by sport and break down splits between college and professional football, applying multi-year averages of the annual share of national handle from March-February to project a total football handle estimate.