The NFL season is officially udnerway, and while a lot of folks will be upset if their team loses, it seems even more will be pretty broke. That's because according to a new study by the American Gaming Association, more than 33.2 million Americans, or 13% of the U.S. adult population, will be placing bets on NFL games this season.
As for where they’ll be making those bets:
- 20%, or 6.6 million, will go to a physical, legal sportsbook.
- 34%, or 11.3 million, will bet online, either through legal or illegal platforms.
- 18% or 6 million, will place a bet with a bookie.
- 26%, or 8.6 million, will bet casually through pools, fantasy contests and squares (down 31% from last year)
- 50%, or 16.6 million, will just bet casually with friends, family or co-workers (down 53%)
And while there’s a lot of drama surrounding the football season due to the coronavirus, it seems those doing the betting are excited for it to get started.
- The survey finds that of those who bet on sports 54% are likely to be excited about the season than the rest of the population (18%)
- What’s more, 41% are self-described avid and general NFL fans.
- Interestingly, 42% of Americans are less excited about this season. As for why:
- 36% say it’s because of increased political activism around the league.
- 19% are not looking forward to the absence of fans at the stadium.
- 17% aren’t happy with not being able to gather with friends to watch the game.
So, with all this betting going on, who do folks think will win it all this year?
- When asked who they’d place a bet on to win the Super Bowl this year the Kansas City Chiefs were the top choice (13%), followed by:
- Dallas Cowboys (9%)
- Baltimore Ravens (5%)
- Cincinnati Bengals (5%)
- Miami Dolphins (5%)
- New England Patriots (5%)
- San Francisco 49ers (5%)
Source: American Gaming Association