The American Gaming Association (AGA) has conducted its first-ever survey on World Cup wagering in the United States. The survey reveals fascinating insights into the betting preferences and behaviors of American adults regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A staggering 20.5 million adults, accounting for 8% of the population, are planning to place bets totaling $1.8 billion on the tournament. Unlike other major sporting events, the World Cup attracts a significant majority of traditional bettors, with 72% opting for online platforms, bookies, or physical sportsbooks.
A Shift Towards Legal Betting:
The advent of legal sports betting has revolutionized the landscape of soccer betting in the United States. With more than half of all American adults now having access to legal betting options in their home market, the upcoming World Cup is poised to be the most wagered-upon soccer event in the nation’s history. An overwhelming 78% of World Cup bettors express the importance of placing their bets legally, signifying a shift away from the unregulated market to safer and regulated betting options.
Betting Preferences:
The survey sheds light on the diverse betting preferences among American adults for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Among the 9.8 million Americans planning to bet online, the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms seem to be the driving factors. Additionally, 6 million individuals prefer engaging in casual bets with friends, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition. Furthermore, 4.7 million bettors opt for the thrill of placing bets at physical casino sportsbooks, savoring the electrifying atmosphere of live betting. For 4.1 million others, the traditional route of using bookies is still a favored method, highlighting the enduring appeal of personal interactions. Lastly, 3.5 million participants are eager to participate in paid pools or fantasy contests, tapping into the growing trend of fantasy sports.
Engaging the Generations:
An intriguing aspect of the survey is the varying levels of interest in betting across different generations. Gen Z and Millennials display higher enthusiasm for wagering on the World Cup, with 11% and 14% respectively, compared to 8% for Gen X and a mere 2% for Baby Boomers. This disparity reflects the evolving preferences of younger audiences and underscores the importance of catering to the interests of different age groups in the sports betting industry.
Top Contenders:
When given $50 to bet, the majority of Americans are inclined to place their money on the United States as the potential World Cup winner, accounting for 24% of respondents. Brazil closely follows with 19%, reflecting the country’s storied soccer legacy. Argentina secures 17% of the bets, while Germany garners 10%, showcasing the enduring appeal of soccer powerhouses in the eyes of American bettors.
Promoting Responsible Betting:
AGA emphasizes the importance of responsible betting practices and urges participants to have a well-defined game plan. Setting a budget, keeping betting enjoyable, learning the odds, and engaging with legal and regulated operators are key aspects of promoting responsible gambling behavior. By encouraging a responsible betting culture, the industry seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
The AGA’s inaugural survey on World Cup wagering in the United States offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports betting. The growing popularity of legal betting options has fueled an unprecedented interest in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with millions of Americans eager to participate responsibly. The survey highlights the diverse preferences of bettors and the varying degrees of interest among different generations, making it imperative for the industry to cater to a wide range of audiences. As the tournament approaches, the nation eagerly awaits the unparalleled excitement and camaraderie that the World Cup brings, both on and off the field.