The 2021 NFL season is set to be an unprecedented one, not only due to the exhilarating games on the field but also in relation to the increasing wave of legalized sports betting sweeping across the United States. Projections suggest that the 2021/22 season could inspire a staggering $35 billion in legalized wagers.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released data that projects a significant rise in the number of people who will place legal bets on NFL games this year. AGA’s research gathers data from industry sources, public reports, and proprietary data. The anticipated $35 billion prediction in legal sports betting heralds the gradual acceptance and prevalence of this previously controversial practice.
This substantial increase can be attributed, in part, to the onset of the ongoing global pandemic, which acted as a catalyst to speed up the adoption of mobile and online betting. With more people staying at home and seeking entertainment outlets, the sports betting industry experienced a surge in activity. There is also a notable trend where more people find sports more exciting and engaging when they have a wager riding on the outcome.
Unlike previous seasons, the 2021/22 NFL season has 18 weeks, adding to the anticipation of potentially more betting activity. But perhaps the more notable factor is the growing tally of states legalizing sports betting within their borders. As of 2021, 26 states and Washington DC have legalized some form of sports betting, and five others have passed bills awaiting implementation. This expansion of state-sanctioned betting operations undeniably contributes to the rising figures.
Furthermore, the sports betting industry is increasingly becoming a significant component in broadcasting strategies. The evidence of this shift is apparent as NFL deals with the likes of Fox Bet, BetMGM, PointsBet, and WynnBet, allowing for the integration of betting content during games and on digital platforms. The growing relationship between broadcasting entities and betting services directly targets not only established bettors but also millions of potential new customers, contributing to an even more prominent place for betting in the world of sports.
Greater engagement in sports betting isn’t confined to just fans. AGA’s research indicates that about 44.6 million Americans, representing 18% of the population, plan to place a bet on the NFL this season, an increase of 36% from the previous year. However, outputs further suggest that over 6.6 million will chose to bet casually with friends or in football pools rather than using legal betting services.
The FBI, though acknowledging the growth and economic opportunity presented by the booming sports betting industry, has issued warnings about the black market. This illegal sector accounts for a significant portion of total wagering, and with illegal betting, comes the potential for match-fixing and other fraudulent activities. To keep the integrity of the game, authorities, the NFL, and betting platforms all share a responsibility of policing and eradicating illegal activities within the industry.
In conclusion, with this exponentially growing interest in sports betting, especially with a focus on the NFL season, we are witnessing a massive shift within the sporting landscape. This shift is changing not just the way sports are enjoyed, but also how the games are presented to fans, and the ways in which financial benefits are derived
