Americans Show Growing Support for Casino Gaming and Sports Betting
A new survey by the American Gaming Association (AGA) reveals that Americans are increasingly accepting of casino gaming and sports betting, viewing them as responsible industries and acceptable forms of entertainment.
Key Findings in Consumer Sentiment
The AGA’s survey, conducted ahead of Responsible Gaming Education Month this September, highlights several positive trends in public opinion.
Notably, 75% of Americans believe that the gaming industry behaves responsibly within the communities it operates, and 9 in 10 Americans consider sports betting an acceptable form of entertainment.
Additionally, 75% of respondents support the legalization of sports betting in their home state.
The survey shows a significant increase in the public’s confidence in the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming. This year, 65% of Americans believe the gaming industry is dedicated to encouraging responsible gaming and combating problem gambling, up from 55% last year.
Among those who directly engage with the industry, confidence is even higher, with 81% of physical casino players and 88% of sports bettors expressing trust in the industry’s responsible gaming efforts—up from 70% and 78%, respectively, in 2023.
Perceptions of Marketing, Effectiveness, and Awareness
Americans are increasingly recognizing the industry’s responsible marketing practices. Sixty-five percent of respondents believe the industry is truthful in its marketing and advertising, a rise from 58% last year. Moreover, 73% view the industry’s marketing efforts as responsible, up from 68% in 2022.
The effectiveness of responsible gaming programs is also acknowledged by 66% of Americans, up from 59% last year. Among gaming participants, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree that these programs are effective.
Awareness of responsible gaming messages and resources has grown notably. This year, 66% of Americans encountered responsible gaming messaging, up from 56% in 2022. Additionally, 76% are familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, a significant increase from 65% last year. Awareness is particularly high among industry participants, with 92% of land-based players and 96% of sports bettors recognizing at least one responsible gaming resource.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications, commented on the findings: “These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility and provides unmatched entertainment.”
Maloney also emphasized the importance of these trends as the industry prepares for Responsible Gaming Education Month, reinforcing the commitment to providing consumers with legal, safe, and enjoyable gaming experiences.
The survey was conducted by Kantar on behalf of the AGA from July 31 to August 9, 2024, involving a nationally representative sample of 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and over. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent, with greater variability among subgroups.
For more detailed information on the AGA’s responsible gaming programs and to access the full report, visit American Gaming Association.
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