American attitudes toward gambling have changed, study finds

A new study has shown that American attitudes toward casual gambling have shifted. The report carried out by the American Gaming Association (AGA) has shown that sports entertainment, mixed with wagering is a favorable way to pass the time.

The results come before the new NFL season gets going on the gridiron and ahead of September’s Responsible Gaming Education Month.

“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,” said Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications.

AGA is the prominent US gambling industry association. It operates to promote and lobby on behalf of the nation’s gambling industry, primarily through education and advocacy.

There are several key metrics in the consumer survey, but one that stands out is the consumer sentiment rating. According to the survey results, Americans believe the gaming industry behaves responsibly in the States where it operates, and 9 in 10 Americans view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.

Compared to last year’s study the feedback shows that there has been a 10% increase in the American public’s perception of how problem gambling can be tackled. Overall there has been growth in:

• Familiarity with Responsible Gaming Resources
• Effectiveness of Responsible Gaming Programs
• Increased Awareness of Responsible Gaming Messages
• Responsible Marketing and Advertising

The consumer sentiment rating also found that 75% of Americans support legal sports betting in their home state. This is a massive shift in perception, given that some states are still getting to grips with the benefits that legalized gambling can bring.

Some states, like South Carolina, have no legalized form of gambling or very limited ways to stake. State legislators have been active across the country and can be seen lobbying heavily for their residents to change the fortunes of the gambling world.

Nebraska has been tipped to become the first state to revise its gambling policy in 2024 as taxation on games of chance can replace expensive property taxes.

Image: AGA.

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