Most Americans view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment and increasingly see the gambling industry as responsible, according to a newly released survey commissioned by the American Gaming Association.
According to a release, the survey conducted by Kantar polled a “nationally representative sample” of 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and older between July 31-Aug. 9. The margin of error is 2% among subgroups.
Preceding Responsible Gaming Education Month in September, the survey revealed new highs in positive attitudes toward gambling as a pastime and an industry. Seventy-five percent said that the industry “behaves responsibly in the communities where it operates,” with 90% now accepting it as a mainstream form of entertainment. Another 75% said they support legal sports betting in the state where they reside.
“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,” AGA senior vice president of strategic communications Joe Maloney said.
Findings from AGA Gambling Attitude Survey
- Overall, 65% believed the industry promotes responsible play and confronts problem gambling. This is up from 55% last year.
- 81% of those who gamble in retail casinos agreed with the responsible gambling assessments, up from 70%.
- 88% of sports bettors concurred, an increase from 78% last year.
- 65% believed the industry’s advertising and marketing campaigns are “truthful.” This is up from 58%, perhaps not coincidentally after states have taken a harder look at the verbiage and volume of gambling ads. Also, in 2023, the AGA released a code of responsible marketing conduct for its members.
- 73% considered gambling marketing “responsible,” up from 68% in 2022.
- 66% thought that industry responsible-gambling programs are effective, up from 59%.
- 79% of retail casino gamblers considered them effective.
- 85% of sports bettors found them effective.
- 46% of retail casino patrons observed more responsible gambling messaging this year.
- 57% of sports bettors did.
- Overall, 66% noted the increase, up from 56% in 2022.
- 76% said they were “familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource,” an improvement from 65% in 2022.
- That figure rose to 92% among retail casino gamblers …
- … and to 96% among self-described sports bettors.
“The gaming industry’s responsibility efforts are stronger than ever, and consumers are noticing,” Maloney said. “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.”
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