• Attitudes of the sports betting industry within the US are changing, along with its immense growth.
• Over 70% of Americans now support regulated betting, with 90% viewing gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment.
• AGA has predicted further growth for US sports betting with the NFL’s return.

A New Frame of Mind

The United States sports betting industry has surged in popularity over the last few years. A total of 26 states across America have passed sports betting bills since PASPA’s overruling in 2018, with nine states passing legislation in 2021 alone! This colossal growth has set the stage for legalized sportsbooks to launch within each state’s borders. The AGA (American Gaming Association) reported that this development has occurred with a rise in acceptance and demand of sports betting among US citizens. 

• “Over two-thirds of Americans support legalized sports betting.”

The gaming industry trade group published the results of extensive research on September 20th, finding that nearly three in four adults in America back legitimate sports betting within their own states, totaling just over 73%. 

Building on this research, the AGA report similarly focused on American citizens’ beliefs towards gambling generally. Over two-thirds of individuals who took the online survey stated that they view the gambling and sports betting industry as a great advantage to the American economy. A similar amount also believes that many exclusive jobs are created. Almost nine out of every 10 US citizens view betting as an acceptable form of entertainment both for themselves and others. 

A Closer Look at The Details

According to the AGA, research also suggests that most American residents view the sports betting and gambling industry as a positive yet essential contributor to communities. Similarly, nearly 60% of US citizens believe the gaming sector gives back to the communities in which it operates. 

Furthermore, a large majority of the individuals who took the online poll agree that the industry acts highly responsible. Since 2018, the number of US residents who think licensed operators are devoted to liable gambling has risen by more than 40%, with a massive 78% of individuals aware of more than one responsible gambling platform. 

• Kantar completed an online survey for the AGA from August to September 2021, while YouGov ran studies for the AGA back in June. Both involved over 2,000 citizens.

“We are a faithful, responsible economic driver in communities across America.” Bill Miller, AGA CEO and president, stated. “Because of this, we have risen from the most disastrous period in our history and commenced a record-breaking comeback!”

Also, perspectives on the gambling sector’s commitment to diversity have increased. 75% of participants who took the online polls stated that the industry provides equal opportunities to all employees, regardless of their gender, skin color, sexual orientation, or disability. A massive 78% recognized that the sector employs a diverse workforce and provides to consumers of all backgrounds.  

Further Growth Moving Forward

As beliefs towards sports betting and online gambling are ever progressing, the industry is spreading all across America, particularly with sports betting, which has already seen a massive $21.5 billion last year alone. With the return of the NFL season this past month, the AGA is awaiting even bigger returns for US sportsbooks over the next few months due to the popularity of wagering on the NFL among sports bettors. 

Within the states that have thus far legalized sports betting, just over 111 million Americans will have access to legal US sportsbooks in their home states. A report shared by the AGA discovered that over 45 million US citizens plan to bet on the NFL over the upcoming season, which sees a rise of 36% from 2020. 

Most of this growth, however, will come from the online gambling industry. iGaming and online sports betting are two of the fastest expanding sectors within the US gambling industry. The two have seen ample growth from pre-covid times. US sportsbooks saw revenues of over $228 million this July, which is an increase of nearly 515% from the same month back in 2019, while iGaming revenue has risen a whopping 657% to over $305 million. 

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