Record Number of Americans to Bet on NFL Season

The American Gaming Association (AGA) reports that a record 46.6 million American adults will wager on the 2022 NFL season. This signifies a 3% increase from the previous year.

The AGA forecasts that 18% of American adults will make at least one wager during the upcoming season, which commences on September 10. This prediction is based on a survey of 2,210 Americans.

Among those planning to wager, 23 million will place bets online. This represents an 18% rise from 2021. Meanwhile, 10.6 million will bet at physical sportsbooks, a 2% increase from the previous year.

The AGA also discovered that only 13% of gamblers indicated they would utilize illegal bookmakers. This marks a 2% decline from the previous year. However, in states without legalized sports betting, the use of illegal bookmakers is 50% higher.

Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA, stated, “The escalating interest in NFL betting demonstrates how legal sports betting is gaining traction across the United States. Individuals clearly desire legal options and comprehend that the regulated industry is dedicated to responsible gambling.”

A recent poll revealed that a vast majority of participants, 92%, are familiar with resources designed to promote responsible gambling. A similar number, 90%, remember encountering messages advocating for responsible gambling within the past year. Furthermore, over half, 51%, reported seeing more information on this topic in the last twelve months compared to previous years.

A significant portion of respondents, approximately 82%, expressed the view that responsible gambling programs are either highly or moderately effective. Similarly, a large majority, 81%, believe that the gambling industry is dedicated to fostering responsible gambling practices and addressing problem gambling.

The commencement of the NFL season aligns with the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) inaugural Responsible Gambling Education Month, which will be observed throughout September.

“Responsibility is the cornerstone of regulated sports betting in the United States and a clear competitive edge as we continue to develop sustainable markets,” Miller stated.

In addition, the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the most favored fan selections to claim victory in Super Bowl LVII, each garnering 9% of preseason predictions. The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs each received 8% of respondent votes, while the Dallas Cowboys received 7%.

It is noteworthy that the Super Bowl will be contested for the first time this season in a state where sports betting is legal, with State Farm Stadium in Arizona hosting the season-ending spectacle.

Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.