The NFL, the most popular professional league in the United States, is a multi-billion dollar industry that generates a lot of revenue for a lot of people. The league has been around since 1920, and despite changing hands from league to league, and from city to city, it is still going strong. Although the league is currently in a lockout, the players and owners are trying to get a new deal done—but it’s obviously not going to be easy.
In the current football fantasy sports boom, the National Football League is now one of the most popular fantasy sports to play. In fact, as of now, those who play fantasy football have now been bet over 45 million dollars to play in this year’s football season. The following is a look into how to bet on the 2021 NFL season.
The National Football League has long been the biggest spectator sport in America, but its popularity has waned in recent years. The decline in NFL TV viewership is largely attributed to the fact that cable providers are offering more and more ESPN channels, including the popular SEC Network. As the NFL continues to lose viewers, which could impact the next TV rights contract, there is talk of turning to other options.. Read more about how many sports bettors are there and let us know what you think.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 7, 2021 — According to data published today by the American Gaming Association, a record 45.2 million Americans (18%) intend to bet on the 2021 National Football League (NFL) season (AGA). This season, 36 percent more Americans will wager on the league’s games than previous season.
The growth of legal sports betting alternatives and greater excitement for the forthcoming season are to blame for this year’s dramatic spike in betting intentions. At the start of the 2020 season, fans in 18 states and Washington, DC have access to operational, legal sports betting. Americans will be allowed to make legal sports bets in 26 states and Washington, DC when the 2021 season begins, with five more states expected to provide legal sports betting by the conclusion of the season.
“Sports betting is more popular than ever among Americans, and bettors’ excitement for the approaching NFL season exemplifies the industry’s extraordinary rise over the last three years,” said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA. “More importantly, when the NFL season starts in 2021, more than 111 million* American adults will be able to securely bet with licensed sportsbooks in their own states rather than the predatory illicit market.”
While NFL betting is anticipated to rise across all wagering methods in 2020, online sportsbooks are likely to experience the most growth, while illegal bookmakers are expected to grow the slowest:
- In 2021, 7 million American adults would wager informally with friends on the NFL season, increasing 31% from 2020.
- In 2020, 5 million people would wager online (both legally and illegally), increasing 73 percent from 2020.
- In a paid fantasy tournament or other kind of pool competition, 6 million people will participate, up 69 percent from 2021.
- In a real casino sportsbook, 5 million people will wager, increasing 58 percent from 2020.
- 7 million people will place a wager with a bookmaker, up 13% from 2020.
According to AGA data, 37 percent of NFL fans intend to gamble on this year’s NFL season, including almost half (47 percent) of self-described ardent NFL fans. In addition, 44 percent of all Americans and 63 percent of NFL fans think that in-venue sportsbooks would enhance the entertainment value of watching live sporting games.
Along with the legalization of sports betting, greater fan excitement will fuel NFL betting this year, with 25% of Americans saying they are more enthusiastic about the forthcoming season than prior seasons, up from 18% last year.
Fans in the Northeast (21%) are most interested in betting on the NFL this year, followed by those in the West (18%), the Midwest (17%), and the South (17%). (15 percent ).
“Fans are the lifeblood of professional sports, and organizations like the NFL are tapping into the full potential of sports betting to increase fan engagement,” Miller said. “To seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the NFL and its 32 clubs must also recognize their obligation to educate fans and encourage responsible gaming.”
The Chiefs are the most popular Super Bowl selection (15%) among anticipated bettors, followed by the Buccaneers (11%) and Cowboys (9%). (7 percent ).
*Includes Arizona, South Dakota, and Washington, which are expected to debut in time for the NFL kickoff on September 9.
Background
- Since May 2018, the NFL and its clubs have established 52 data sharing and marketing agreements.
- Sports betting is presently allowed in 32 states and the District of Columbia, with 26 jurisdictions having operating markets and seven more to follow. Sports betting is allowed in 16 of the 23 states that have NFL clubs.
- In the first seven months of 2021, Americans legally bet over $27 billion on sports, earning more than $350 million in federal, state, and municipal taxes.
- On a state-by-state basis, the AGA’s interactive sports betting map monitors sports betting legalization, including current legislation.
- The AGA’s public service program, Have A Game Plan.®Bet Responsibly.TM, brings together sports leagues and teams, media, and gaming businesses to encourage sports betting education. The Washington Redskins are the campaign’s first NFL club to join.
Methodology
Morning Consult conducted an online poll of 2,200 American adults on behalf of the American Gaming Association from August 25 to 30, 2021. Based on age, educational achievement, gender, race, and location, the data were weighted to approach a target sample of adults. The margin of error for the whole poll is +/-2 percent.
The NFL is known for its powerful hold over the American public, and one of the biggest reasons is the game’s unpredictable nature. Every season, countless gamblers must wager their hard earned money on the NFL—and with the 11,000-point spread between the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints (this season’s underdog), many will be betting on the future, rather than the present.. Read more about american gaming association report and let us know what you think.
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