As the excitement for the NFL season mounts, so does Americans’ approval of casino gaming and sports betting, with both industries hitting record highs in public approval. This uptick in acceptance comes at a pivotal time—just before Responsible Gaming Education Month and amidst the seventh NFL season with legalized betting across many states.

Recent survey results from the American Gaming Association (AGA) indicate that 75% of Americans now see the gaming industry as a responsible community player. Additionally, the acceptance of sports betting as a legitimate form of entertainment remains robust, with 90% of Americans in agreement, reflecting a growing mainstream embrace of these activities.

The survey also highlights a solid backing for legalized sports betting within individual states, with three-quarters of Americans favoring this move. Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications, comments on the shift: “As gaming reaches new audiences, Americans increasingly recognize the benefits of a legal, regulated marketplace that not only contributes to communities but also prioritizes responsibility and offers unmatched entertainment.”

Enhanced Perceptions of Responsible Gaming

The industry’s commitment to responsible gaming is resonating more with Americans, with 65% acknowledging the industry’s dedication—up significantly from 55% the previous year. This sentiment is even stronger among those who directly engage with gaming, as evidenced by increased approval ratings among casino goers and sports bettors.

Awareness of the industry’s responsible marketing efforts has also grown, with 65% of respondents recognizing the truthfulness in its advertising—up from 58% last year. Furthermore, 73% view these marketing efforts as responsible, a noticeable improvement from the prior year.

There’s also an increased acknowledgment of the effectiveness of the gaming industry’s responsible gaming programs, with 66% of Americans approving, compared to 59% in the previous year. Among gamers and bettors, this belief is even more pronounced.

The survey underscores a significant rise in exposure to responsible gaming messages, particularly among land-based casino players and sports bettors. Familiarity with responsible gaming resources has also surged, with a notable percentage of the gaming community now aware of at least one such resource.

This comprehensive view of public sentiment was captured by Kantar via an online survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 registered U.S. voters, providing a snapshot of the growing endorsement for the gaming and betting industries. As these industries continue to evolve, the alignment of community values with industry practices appears stronger than ever, promising a future where fun, entertainment, and responsibility go hand in hand.