AGA projects historic $35 billion in wagers for 2024 NFL season

Garance Limouzy September 4, 2024

SiGMA news

AGA projects historic $35 billion in wagers for 2024 NFL season

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced that Americans are expected to legally wager $35 billion throughout the NFL season.

This year’s projection reflects a major increase from the $26.7 billion estimated to have been legally wagered on the 2023 NFL season. The AGA attributes this growth to the expansion and maturation of the legal sports betting landscape, as well as the introduction of new markets in Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont since last year’s NFL kickoff.

Strong channelisation rates

Recent data reveals that a majority of American sports bettors are increasingly prioritising legal and regulated sportsbooks. According to the AGA:

90 percent of past-year sports bettors consider it crucial that their sportsbook is legal and regulated.
88 percent believe the legal industry is committed to responsible gaming and addressing problem gambling.
85 percent of sports bettors trust the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs, a slight increase from 83 percent last year.

Americans are embracing the gaming industry

A recent AGA report also revealed that as the legal sports betting and gaming industry continues to grow, so does public support for it. Americans are embracing the gaming industry, both as a form of entertainment and as a contributor to the U.S. economy, particularly casino gambling and sports betting. Currently, 75 percent of American adults favour legal, regulated sports betting in their state, up from 73 percent in 2023.

Responsible gaming

The AGA’s findings show a high level of awareness among consumers regarding responsible gaming resources, with nearly all past-year sports bettors (96 percent) familiar with at least one resource. More than half (57 percent) have noticed an increase in responsible gaming messaging over the past year, a trend driven by industry marketing and advertising efforts, which 73 percent of American adults believe are being conducted responsibly.

Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, stated: “With the excitement of another NFL season upon us, Americans are placing their bets with the confidence that the legal sports betting market is prioritising consumer protection and responsibility.” He added: “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.”