FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2025
Contact: Abby Wicker, media@thefsga.org
New FSGA research highlights industry stability, growth in betting on
women’s sports, and initial findings on social sportsbooks
LAS VEGAS – The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) today announced findings from its new research report, presented at the 2025 FSGA Winter Conference. The research, conducted by the Angus Reid Group on behalf of the FSGA, reveals consistent engagement in fantasy sports and sports betting, growing interest in women’s sports, fresh insights on sweepstakes-style social sportbooks, and new information about players’ feelings about advertising.
Key Findings:
- Stable Engagement: Nearly three-in-ten U.S. adults (28%) — an estimated 73 million people — participated in fantasy sports or sports betting over the past year. This level is consistent with last year’s figures, underscoring a mature, mainstream market. However, even though fantasy play and sports betting remain the same, crossplay is becoming more selective as bettors and fantasy players increasingly perceive them as distinct.
- Fantasy & Betting Demographics: Eighteen percent of American adults reported playing fantasy sports in the past 12 months, while 22% engaged in sports betting. Fantasy sports players tend to be younger (average age of 42.4 years old) and predominantly male (74%), while sports bettors are slightly older (average age of 45.0 years old) but similarly male-skewed (61%).
- Women’s Sports Growth: The WNBA remains the top women’s league for both fantasy sports and betting, with steady engagement in other women’s sports such as MMA, soccer and golf. Younger, more educated participants lead the way in this space, indicating a strong potential for continued growth in female sports engagement.
- Social Sportsbooks Awareness is Low: For the first time in an FSGA study, research was conducted about sweepstakes-style social sportsbooks. Very few (14%) Americans recognize social sportsbooks, and only 4% have ever used them. Many remain unclear on sweepstakes’ legal and regulatory status — even in states without legal sports betting — highlighting a need for education and transparency.
- Advertising Preferences: Consumers of all ages show a clear preference for educational content and promotional offers that explain platforms’ features rather than repetitive commercials or testimonials.
“These findings confirm that fantasy sports and sports betting remain a vibrant part of the American sports fabric,” said FSGA Chair Brandon Loeschner. “The growth in women’s sports participation and the questions surrounding sweepstakes platforms underscore the importance of continued research and informed discussion as we chart the future.”
Methodology
These findings are from a survey conducted by the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) and Angus Reid Group (ARG) from Jan. 21 – 29, 2025, among a representative sample of 2,052 online Americans who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About FSGA
The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association is the only national organization representing the interests of fantasy sports and gaming companies. We are the voice for over 80 million fantasy sports players and sports bettors in the United States and Canada, and for the companies that provide services, news, information and competition to support these growing industries. Our members are sports and gaming enthusiasts, with companies that range from small startups to large media corporations. Our mission is to provide our members with essential research and data, networking opportunities and collective action to help them reach their potential. For more information, visit https://thefsga.org.
About Angus Reid Group
The Angus Reid Group is one of North America’s most well-known and trusted online public opinion communities consisting of engaged residents across the U.S. and Canada who answer surveys on topical issues that matter to all. Learn more at https://www.angusreid.com.