SUMMARY
- A staggering 73.5 million Americans set to wager on NFL this season.
- Online betting sees a 56% surge from last year with 14% adults participating.
- NFL's evolving stance on gambling brings about partnerships worth billions.
The wave of legalized sports gambling is sweeping the U.S., with a whopping 73.5 million Americans gearing up to bet on the NFL this season, as revealed by the latest stats from the American Gaming Association (AGA). This marks a significant rise from last year when around 46 million dared to wager.
Diving deep into the numbers, the AGA highlights that about 19% of U.S. adults will likely make their bets this year, either online, at a casino, or through a bookie. This shows a remarkable 56% surge from last year. With technology at their fingertips, 35.1 million, or 14% of adults, are expected to bet online, while a lesser 13.6 million (or 5%) prefer the old-school method of visiting a physical sportsbook.
NFL enthusiasts are particularly excited. Approximately 37% of them are anticipated to place their bets, indicating a 42% increase from last year. As the first NFL match of the season is around the corner, sportsbooks are rubbing their hands in glee, expecting a significant windfall. As Seamus Magee of BetMGM stated, they're anticipating the most bet-heavy NFL season in their history.
The relationship between the NFL and gambling has been a rollercoaster. Initially, the NFL was reluctant to embrace sports betting, but the 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowing states to legalize it changed their perspective. Now, sports betting finds its legal status in 34 states and Washington, D.C. This growth has spiked the user base of betting giants like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM, making the domain a lucrative one for many. Recently, the NFL inked an agreement valued at approximately $1 billion with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars.
However, as with all transitions, the shift towards gambling hasn't been without its hiccups. The league has faced challenges like player confusion over betting regulations, resulting in several suspensions. And as for where the bets are leaning? The Kansas City Chiefs are the crowd favorites to grab the Super Bowl title this year, according to BetMGM.
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