A new AGA study shows a stunning increase in favorability rankings across a wide selection of metrics for legalized gambling in America. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Just in time for the upcoming football season and September’s Responsible Gaming Education Month comes a new study from the American Gaming Association (AGA) showing that American attitudes toward casual gambling have shifted. Consumers now show favorable ratings toward sports entertainment mixed with wagering as a positive way to pass the time.

contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility, and provides unmatched entertainment”

Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications, said: “These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility, and provides unmatched entertainment.”

As reported by ReadWrite, compared to last year’s study, the feedback shows that there has been a 10% increase in the American public’s perception of how problem gambling can be tackled. Overall, there has been growth in:

• Familiarity with responsible gaming resources
• Effectiveness of responsible gaming programs
• Increased awareness of responsible gaming messages
• Responsible marketing and advertising

In perhaps the most stunning increase in a favorable metric, the AGA’s study notes a jump from 55% to 65% of Americans now believing the gaming industry is committed to responsible gaming and resolving problem gambling. The report shows an even higher rating among those who engage with the industry directly, with 81% of physical casino players and 88% of sports bettors agreeing with this sentiment, up from 70% and 78%, respectively, last year.

Given that some states—indeed, countries across the world—are still coming to grips with the benefits that legalized gambling can bring, it’s surprising that the consumer sentiment rating now finds that 75% of Americans support legal sports betting in their home state. Some countries like Brazil and Thailand are pushing for legalized gambling, while American states like South Carolina and Nebraska continue to see active lobbying heavily in favor of legalizing gambling.