Americans are embracing casino gaming and sports betting as acceptable forms of entertainment, according to a new consumer survey by the American Gaming Association. The data comes ahead of Responsible Gaming Education Month in September, and on the eve of the seventh NFL season with widespread legal wagering.
According to the report, 75% of Americans believe the gaming industry behaves responsibly in the communities where it operates, 9 in 10 Americans view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment, and 75% of Americans support legal sports betting.
“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,” said Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications.
The study also indicates increases favorable views toward the industry’s commitments to responsible gaming; 65% of Americans now say the gaming industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combating problem gambling, up from 55% in 2023. Confidence among those who engage with the industry directly is strong, with 81% of physical casino players and 88% of sports bettors agreeing with this, up from 70% and 78%, respectively, last year.
The sentiment is driven by increased perceptions in several areas.
- Responsible marketing and advertising. Americans notice the legal industry’s efforts around responsible marketing and advertising marketing, with 65% of respondents saying they believe the industry is truthful in its marketing and advertising, up from 58% last year. Also, 73% view the industry as responsible in its marketing efforts, up from 68% in 2022.
- Effectiveness of responsible-gaming programs. Data indicates 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 59% last year. Among those who participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree the programs are effective.
- Increased awareness of responsible-gaming messages. The study shows a significant rise in the number of Americans exposed to responsible gaming information, with 46% of land-based casino players and 57% of sports bettors noting an increase in responsible-gaming messaging. And 66% of all Americans say they have encountered responsible-gaming messaging in the past year, up from 56% in 2022.
- Familiarity with responsible-gaming resources. Awareness of responsible-gaming resources has grown, with 76% of Americans familiar with at least one responsible-gaming resource, an increase from 65% in 2022. Awareness is particularly high among industry participants, with 92% of land-based players and 96% of sports bettors familiar with at least one responsible-gaming resource.
“The gaming industry’s responsibility efforts are stronger than ever and consumers are noticing,” said Maloney. “As we embark on another Responsible Gaming Education Month, we’re more energized than ever to continue our work to give consumers the legal, safe, and fun gaming experiences that they want and deserve.”
Kantar conducted an online survey between July 31 and August 9, 2024, among a representative sample of 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and over related to responsible gaming and industry perceptions. The margin of error is +/- 2% and greater among subgroups.
Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.