The American Gaming Association (AGA) reports that a record number of Americans, 46.6 million, will wager on the 2022 NFL season, signifying a 3% climb from the previous year.
The AGA anticipates that 18% of American adults will place at least one bet during the upcoming season, which commences on September 10th, based on a survey of 2,210 Americans.
Among those intending to bet, 23 million will wager online, representing an 18% rise from the 2021 season, while 10.6 million will bet at physical sportsbooks, a 2% increase from the previous year.
The AGA also stated that only 13% of gamblers indicated they would utilize illegal bookmakers, a 2% decrease from the previous year, as legal betting gains traction. However, illegal bookmaker usage remains 50% higher in states where sports betting is not authorized.
“The sustained interest in NFL betting demonstrates the growth and increasing popularity of legal sports betting nationwide,” remarked Bill Miller, AGA president and CEO. “Individuals clearly desire legal avenues to wager on sports and recognize that the regulated industry is dedicated to responsible practices.”
An investigation revealed that a significant majority of participants are acquainted with tools designed to promote responsible gaming. A large percentage recall encountering information regarding responsible gaming within the past year, with over half indicating an increase in such information compared to previous periods.
A substantial proportion of respondents expressed confidence in the effectiveness of responsible gaming initiatives, with a similar percentage believing that the gambling industry is dedicated to fostering responsible gaming practices and tackling problem gambling.
The commencement of the NFL season aligns with the American Gaming Association’s inaugural Responsible Gaming Education Month, spanning the entirety of September.
“Responsibility serves as a fundamental principle underpinning regulated sports betting in the United States, providing a clear competitive edge as we strive to establish sustainable markets,” Miller stated.
Furthermore, among fans, the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged as the most favored contenders for Super Bowl LVII, each securing 9% of preseason predictions. The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs each garnered 8% of respondent selections, while the Dallas Cowboys received 7%.
It is noteworthy that this year’s Super Bowl will be hosted in a state with legalized sports betting, with State Farm Stadium in Arizona serving as the venue for the season’s culminating event.
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