The Fantasy Sports Trade Association today said the number of fantasy sports participants in the U.S. and Canada has risen to 56.8 million, according to new research conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. The number is up 39% from the results of the same study last year, and nearly twice the 30.6 million participants from ’10. Among the drivers of the large increase are the continued rise of mobile-based and daily fantasy games, and the heightened availability of fantasy content across the sports media landscape.
The FSTA-Ipsos study also showed a sharp rise in consumer spending on fantasy sports, as the average per-player spend on fantasy leagues and products was $465 a year, more than quadruple the $95 per player in ’12. “The continuing increase in fantasy sports participation illustrates several core, engaging elements of fantasy play, ” said FSTA President Paul Charchian. “The surge in consumer spending is reflective of the desire to find new ways to engage in this fast-growing pastime. ” The FSTA unveiled the latest consumer research earlier today at its summer conference in N.Y.
Sports Business Journal
Fantasy Sports Participation, Per-Player Spending Continue To Rise
By Eric Fisher