The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced that 38 million American adults, about 15 percent of the U.S. adult population, are planning to bet on NFL games this season.
The AGA, which represents the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, released a new survey ahead of the NFL season official kickoff on Thursday when the Chicago Bears play the Green Bay Packers.
Seven million people said they plan to bet legally at a casino sportsbook, which is 1.2 million more people than the 2018 season.
{mosads}The Supreme Court in May struck down a 1992 federal law which banned sports betting in most states and now, regulated sports betting is offered in 13 states.
“During this centennial NFL season, more Americans than ever before can wager on football in safe, well-regulated environments,” Bill Miller, AGA’s president and CEO said in a statement. “It is clear that as jurisdictions enact policies to provide a legal alternative to the dangerous illegal market, consumers follow suit and seek the protections they deserve.”
The poll also found that tens of millions of Americans will place bets with friends, enter pools or place bets online.
Additionally, 75 percent of NFL bettors say they are more likely to watch a game they bet on, and 28 percent are more likely to attend a game they bet on.
The survey was conducted for AGA by Morning Consult on Aug. 7-12 and included 11,001 adults.