Legal Sports Betting to Surge in 2024 NFL Season with $35 Billion in Wagers
American Gaming Association (AGA) projects that American adults will place $35 billion in bets through legal sportsbooks, marking the highest legal wagering projection since the NFL allowed legal sports betting.
Record Betting Expected for the NFL Season
This figure represents a significant increase from last year’s estimated $26.7 billion in legal wagers and reflects the continued expansion of legal betting across the U.S.
The projection comes as more states, including Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont, have launched legal sports betting markets since the start of the previous NFL season.
Growing Support for Legal and Responsible Sports Betting
AGA data highlights that 90% of past-year sports bettors prioritize using legal and regulated sportsbooks. Furthermore, 88% of bettors believe the legal industry is dedicated to responsible gaming and addressing problem gambling.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller commented on this trend, stating, “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.”
Increasing Awareness of Responsible Gaming Initiatives
The AGA’s latest research shows that efforts to promote responsible gaming are resonating with bettors. Ninety-six percent of past-year bettors are familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, and 57% have noticed an increase in responsible gaming messaging over the past year.
The marketing of responsible gaming resources has played a major role, with 73% of American adults agreeing that industry advertising is conducted responsibly—a rise from 68% in 2023.
The rapid growth of the legal sports betting industry across the U.S., including in newly opened markets, highlights the increasing confidence among American bettors.
As more states embrace legal betting, the public’s trust in the industry’s commitment to responsibility has grown, with 75% of American adults now supporting legal, regulated sports betting in their state, up from 73% in 2023.
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