According to a survey conducted by the American Gaming Association (AGA), approximately 20.5 million American adults, accounting for 8% of the population, are projected to bet a total of $1.8 billion on this year’s FIFA World Cup™. Out of these bettors, 72% intend to place their bets online, with a bookie, or at a physical sportsbook.
Here is a breakdown of the numbers:
- 48% of the population, or approximately 9.8 million individuals, will engage in online betting.
- A total of 6.0 million people, accounting for 29%, will engage in friendly betting.
- Approximately 4.7 million individuals, accounting for 23% of the population, are expected to engage in betting activities at a physical casino sportsbook.
- Out of the 4.1 million individuals, 20% will choose to place bets with a bookie.
- Out of the total population, 3.5 million individuals, accounting for 17%, will participate in paid pools or fantasy contests by placing bets.
It was also discovered by the AGA that 78% of individuals who bet on the World Cup deem it wise to place their bets in accordance with the law.
Casey Clark, the Senior Vice President of the AGA, stated that this World Cup will undoubtedly witness the highest level of soccer betting in the U.S., as it is the first tournament where legal sports betting is widely accessible. With over half of all American adults having legal betting options in their local market, the involvement of legal sports betting will enhance the enthusiasm of American fans for the most popular global sporting event.
Furthermore, the survey has yielded additional findings which include:
- Nearly 30% of American adults who are planning to watch the World Cup have expressed their intention to place bets on the tournament.
- A larger percentage of Gen Z and Millennial adults (11% and 14% respectively) display a greater inclination towards betting on the World Cup compared to their Gen X (8%) and Baby Boomer (2%) counterparts.
- Given a $50 betting opportunity, the majority of Americans (24%) would likely place their bet on the United States to emerge victorious in the World Cup. Brazil (19%), Argentina (17%), and Germany (10%) would be the subsequent popular choices in that order.
Casey Clark stated that as the World Cup commences, individuals who wish to participate should create a strategy to gamble responsibly. This entails establishing a budget, ensuring an enjoyable experience, understanding the probabilities, and engaging with authorized and monitored operators.
Between November 3-5, 2022, a survey was carried out among 2,213 adults. The data collected were adjusted to represent a desired sample of adults by considering factors such as age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. The survey’s margin of error is approximately +/-2 percent, although it may be higher for subgroups.
