According to the latest consumer survey by the American Gaming Association (AGA), Americans increasingly view casino gaming and sports betting as acceptable forms of entertainment and a responsible industry. The new data was released on the eve of the NFL's seventh season and before the Responsible Gaming Education Month in September, promoting legal gambling extensively.
During a period of record-high consumer confidence, 75% of Americans believe the gambling industry acts responsibly in their communities, 90% of Americans consider sports betting an acceptable form of entertainment, and 75% support the legalization of sports betting in their hometowns.
Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at AGA, stated: "These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming reaches new audiences, more Americans see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming market that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility, and provides unparalleled entertainment."
The survey shows a significant increase in the number of people with a positive attitude towards the gambling industry's commitment to responsible gaming, with 65% of Americans now saying the industry is committed to promoting responsible gaming and combating gambling problems, up from 55% last year. Those directly involved in the gambling industry are even more confident, with 81% of physical casino players and 88% of sports bettors agreeing with this view, up from 70% and 78% last year.
This sentiment is driven by multiple areas of increased awareness:
Responsible marketing and advertising: Americans notice the legal industry's efforts in responsible marketing and advertising, with 65% of respondents believing that the industry is honest in its marketing and advertising, up from 58% last year. Additionally, 73% think the industry is responsible in its marketing, up from 68% in 2022.
Effectiveness of responsible gaming programs: Data shows that 66% of Americans believe the gambling industry's responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 59% last year. Among those involved in gambling, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree these programs are effective.
Increased awareness of responsible gaming information: Research indicates a significant increase in the number of Americans exposed to responsible gaming information. Specifically, 46% of physical casino players and 57% of sports bettors have noticed an increase in responsible gaming information. Notably, 66% of Americans say they have encountered responsible gaming information in the past year, up from 56% in 2022.
Familiarity with responsible gaming resources: Awareness of responsible gaming resources has increased, with 76% of Americans familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, up from 65% in 2022. Industry participants are particularly aware, with 92% of land-based players and 96% of sports bettors familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource.
"The gambling industry's awareness of responsibility is stronger than ever, and consumers have noticed," continued Maloney. "As we begin another Responsible Gaming Education Month, we are more energized than ever to continue our efforts to provide consumers with the legal, safe, and fun gambling experiences they want and deserve."
