As the 2024 NFL season approaches, bettors are gearing up for more frequent and engaged betting, according to the upcoming “Insights 2024-25 Consumer Reports on NFL Wagering Intentions” by Optimove, cited by CDC Gaming Reports.? This report, which is set to be released on August 22, delves into the betting behaviors and trends as the NFL season commences with a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens on September 5.
The report outlines a notable rise in betting activity compared to the previous year. It highlights that “71% of wagerers will bet on one or more games each week, up from 63% in 2023.” Furthermore, the frequency of betting several times a week is also on the rise, with 43% of bettors planning to engage multiple times per week, an increase from 37% last year. Regular season wagering is particularly popular, with 79% of respondents indicating they will bet during the regular season, up from 69% in 2023.
Preferences and Popularity in Betting Types
When it comes to the types of bets favored by NFL fans, point spreads are the most popular, with 68% of respondents showing a preference for this type of wager. This is closely followed by over/under wagers and moneyline bets, which 62% of bettors favor. Live game betting is also gaining traction, with a significant 85% of participants planning to wager during games, a steep increase from the 61% recorded in 2023.
The report also sheds light on the financial strategies of bettors, with a noteworthy 90% setting budgets for their weekly or seasonal gambling activities. Despite this caution, bettors show flexibility in their choice of platforms. The survey reveals that “68% of respondents use two or more betting sites each week,” an increase from 54% in the previous year. Promotions, including free wagers, are a major draw, with 42% citing these as a key reason for selecting a betting site.
Participation in community betting activities remains high as well, with 94% of respondents involved in betting pools and 79% participating in fantasy football. Regular viewing of NFL games is common among bettors, with 74% tuning in consistently. A significant 90% of these viewers believe that watching games enhances their overall betting enjoyment.
Responsible Gambling Awareness
The Optimove report also brings encouraging news from the realm of responsible gambling, with 97% of bettors aware of responsible gaming resources. A substantial 67% have utilized these resources to set betting limits or address problem gambling issues. However, there remains a concern, as 68% admit they might wager more than they can afford, an increase from 45% in the previous year.
“The findings highlight the dynamic nature of NFL betting, the importance of responsible gambling, and the need for sportsbooks to optimize their engagement and generosity programs to enhance player satisfaction and loyalty,” the report concluded. This increasing involvement and the strategic behaviors of bettors underscore the evolving landscape of NFL betting, suggesting that sportsbooks may need to adapt their approaches to cater to these changes effectively.
Optimove’s report is based on responses from 356 U.S. citizens, aged 21 and older, all of whom have incomes over $75,000 and actively bet on NFL games, providing a comprehensive overview of the affluent betting demographic’s intentions for the 2024 NFL season.