The American Gaming Association (AGA) predicts a 3% surge in NFL wagers across the country, with even greater potential growth in Virginia due to the recent introduction of sports betting in the state.
On the eve of the Thursday night NFL opener between the Buffalo Bills and the LA Rams, the AGA unveiled its projections. Following that, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the Washington Commanders will be hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Currently, while permanent Virginia casinos are still being built, the most readily available gaming choices in the state are sports bets and Virginia Lottery games.
Since its debut on January 21, 2021, the state has witnessed significant growth in the sports industry due to the introduction of legal sports betting.
Virginia sports bets increase
| Month | 2021 (in millions) | 2022 (in millions) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $58.9 (11-day total) | $485.5 | 724% |
| February | $265.8 | $401.9 | 51% |
| March | $304.1 | $469.5 | 54% |
| April | $236.4 | $399.5 | 69% |
| May | $227 | $351.5 | 55% |
| June | $234.9 | $295.2 | 25% |
| July | $161.9 | $266 | 64% |
Virginia is about to embark on its second autumn of football betting, as it enters the new season. Let’s take a look at how the pace of Virginia sports wagers unfolded during its first year.
- In August 2021, the amount of $182.4 million was recorded.
- As of September 2021, the total amount reaches $293.9 million.
- The amount of $427.3 million was recorded in October 2021.
- In November 2021, the amount of $402.6 million was recorded.
- The total amount for December 2021 is $426.6 million.
Based on the numbers, Virginia bets are poised to reach their highest point of the season.
AGA expects 46.6 million Americans to bet on NFL
The AGA’s NFL betting forecast was created using an online poll conducted by Morning Consult, which surveyed 2,210 American adults between August 25-27.
According to AGA President and CEO Bill Miller, the ongoing enthusiasm for NFL betting is a testament to the expanding and evolving landscape of legal sports gambling nationwide. It is evident that consumers are actively seeking out legal avenues for sports betting.
- Among NFL fans, the most popular betting choices to win Super Bowl LVII are the Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a 9% chance.
- Both the Rams and Kansas City Chiefs have an 8% ranking.
- The Dallas Cowboys secure the fifth position with a 7% ranking.
Super Bowl LVII finds its home in Arizona, representing a momentous occasion as the game is being held in a state that permits legal sports betting for the very first time.
Additional findings from the American Gaming Association include:
- The majority of American adults now have the ability to engage in sports betting within their own state.
- In Virginia, adults are part of the 132 million Americans who have the opportunity to place sports bets without having to leave their state.
- This season, there will be a significant surge in online sports betting, with approximately 23 million individuals expected to place an NFL bet online. This represents an impressive 18% increase compared to the previous year, showcasing the rapid growth of this industry.
- Bristol Casino, the temporary home of Hard Rock, is offering in-person betting. According to the AGA, around 6 million individuals are expected to place their bets at a sportsbook in person this season, marking a 2% increase from the previous year.
- At present, sports betting is legally allowed in 36 states as well as Washington, D.C. However, operators in four of these states are still in the process of finalizing the necessary arrangements to officially launch their operations.
- Sports betting has been legalized in 18 out of the 22 states where NFL franchises are located.
Responsible gaming is important
The results were released before the commencement of the NFL season. However, the kickoffs also align with Responsible Gaming Education Month.
The “Have a game plan, bet responsibly” campaign by the AGA receives support from NFL team partners, including the Washington Commanders, to encourage responsible gaming.
According to AGA trends, it appears that bettors are increasingly opting for legal betting alternatives instead of bookies. These alternatives have contributed to this shift in behavior. Surveys conducted a year ago showed that approximately 15% of bets were placed with bookies. However, this year, only 13% of respondents stated their intention to continue placing sports bets through unofficial means.
According to the AGA, responsible gaming is gaining traction nationwide, with assistance from polling firm Kentar for the Aug. 17-23 responses.
- In the past year, 90% of individuals can recall having seen or heard about responsible gaming.
- In the past 12 months, 51% of individuals encountered a greater amount of responsible gaming information compared to previous years.
- According to the AGA, a significant majority (82%) of individuals who have placed sports bets in the past year believe that responsible gaming programs are either very or somewhat effective.
- 81% of respondents informed the AGA that they believe the gaming industry is dedicated to promoting responsible gaming practices and addressing issues related to problem gambling.
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