FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 14, 2024
Contact: Will Mossa
media@thefsga.org
American participation in legal sports wagering and fantasy sports
grows by another 10%, now exceeds 84 million
Exclusive study also addresses women’s sports participation for first time and highlights differences in the ways fantasy sports players and bettors consume content.
LAS VEGAS – Research conducted by Angus Reid Group for the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) revealed another year of continued growth in both legal sports wagering and fantasy sports participation.
According to the study, unveiled during the FSGA Winter Conference at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, legal sports wagering and fantasy sports are engaged by 84.6 million adults across the U.S. This represents a 10% increase in total bettors/players since 2023.
The survey also noted that 21% of Americans played fantasy sports in the last 12 months (compared to 19% in 2023) and 25% of Americans bet on sports in the last 12 months (compared to 23% in 2023). Both of these figures are all-time highs since tracking began in 2007.
For the first time, specifics around women’s sports participation were addressed and it’s clear that women’s sports and league represent a growth opportunity. The top women’s sports for fantasy are basketball (WNBA), Esports, tennis and soccer, while the top women’s sports for betting are basketball, soccer, tennis and MMA.
With Responsible Gaming (RG) becoming a more important part of the conversation, the survey revealed that self awareness of personal RG measures is high and elevates trust in the operator.
Focusing on content, fantasy sports players rely heavily on content resources like word of mouth and TV with rankings, forecasts and advice being the most researched topics. Bettors also rely on word of mouth and TV. However, compared to fantasy, betting resources are perceived to be less valuable.
Other findings included:
- Despite legal sports betting rollouts, there is a higher concentration of exclusive, more discerning fantasy players (24% in 2024 vs. 21% in 2023).
- Less than half of survey respondents consider promo offers truthful and accurate, presenting an opportunity for greater industry transparency.
“Research is a staple of the FSGA and we need to be investing in MORE research,” said FSGA Chair Brandon Loeschner. “I continue to be encouraged by the industry’s growing numbers and I want to thank our Research Committee and Angus Reid Group for their work to compile this important data.”
Methodology
The study was conducted in two phases. The incidence of fantasy sports and sports betting data was collected from Jan. 19-28, 2024, among a representative sample of n=2060 online Americans who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. Data outlining the use of resources in both fantasy sports and sports betting was collected from May 4-16, 2023, among a representative sample of n=1811 online Americans who have participated in either fantasy sports or sports betting in the past 12 months and 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 for the Incidence Study 1, and +/- 2.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20 for the Content Usage data.
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.