A recent survey of the American Gaming Association (AGA) revealed that 67.8 million American adults will bet on Super Bowl LVIII. The figure representing 26% of the American population therefore sets a new record in the sports betting handle expected for the most significant sporting event of the year. The record number of bets on the 2024 Big Game also stands for a 35 % increase when compared to 2023. The survey also found that the sports betting handle is expected to reach $23.1 billion during the Super Bowl LVIII, which would be $7.1 billion or around 30% more than in 2023.
Record Figures:
According to AGA, the expansion of live legal sports betting across 38 states is expected to result in traditional Super Bowl wagers exceeding casual wagers for a second consecutive year. The survey reports that 42.7 million American adults plan to place traditional sports wagers. Whether placed online, at a retail sports book or with a bookie, these wagers are expected to exceed the 2023 figure by 41 percent. At the same time, 36.5 million Americans will bet casually with friends or otherwise to stand for a sequence of the total expected to reach the 32 percent larger number than the 2023 result.
AGA recognizes that the American bettors are increasingly turning to the legal sports betting market. The argument is supported by the survey findings indicating that 28.7 million adults, or 11 % of the total American population, will place online wagers through a legal U.S. sports betting operator. Commenting on the record number of bets expected on the Big Game kicking off on February 11, 2024, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller stated in the press release: “As the Super Bowl comes to Las Vegas for the first time, this year’s record interest in wagering marks a full circle moment for the U.S. gaming industry.”
Rising Responsible Gambling Awareness:
Miller added:”Our priority remains getting this opportunity right by providing the consumer protections only a regulated market can guarantee and investing in responsible gambling tools, safeguards and education.” In this regard, AGA survey found that 75% of traditional Super Bowl bettors saw a responsible gambling message in the last twelve months, which is 71 % more than the same period in 2023. The number of American adults that either heard or saw a responsible gambling message in the same period increased by 40 % on the y-o-y basis.
Building Excitement with Equal Odds:
During the Super Bowlweek, Miller will also address the expansion of legal sports betting and the importance of responsible gambling on a radio show in Las Vegas that will feature former NFL running back, and current Fox Sports commentator, Mark Ingram II.“The thrill of the game and the passion of the fans are what make sports so rewarding and fun. Legalized sports betting builds on this excitement. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with the American Gaming Association to encourage fans, whether it’s during the Big Game or throughout the year, to keep it social and wager responsibly,”Ingram said.
As Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are briefing the last details before stepping in the field of the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Strip on February 11, the AGA survey finds that 47 % of American adults plan to bet on the Kansas City Chiefs and 44 % intend to bet on the San Francisco 49ers. The odds are almost equal; the Big Game will make the difference.