Optimove Report: NFL Bettors To Ramp Up Wagering Activity In 2024

As the 2024 NFL season nears, bettors are preparing for more frequent and active participation, according to Optimove’s upcoming “Insights 2024-25 Consumer Reports on NFL Wagering Intentions,” referenced by CDC Gaming Reports. Scheduled for release on August 22, the report examines betting patterns and trends as the NFL season kicks off with the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Baltimore Ravens on September 5.

The report reveals a significant increase in betting activity compared to the previous year. It notes that “71% of bettors will place wagers on one or more games each week, up from 63% in 2023.” Additionally, the frequency of betting multiple times a week is growing, with 43% of bettors planning to do so, up from 37% last year. Regular season betting is particularly favored, with 79% of respondents planning to bet during the regular season, compared to 69% in 2023.

Betting Preferences And Popularity

Among NFL fans, point spreads are the most preferred type of bet, with 68% of respondents favoring this option. Close behind are over/under wagers and moneyline bets, which are favored by 62% of bettors. Live game betting is also on the rise, with 85% of participants intending to place bets during games, a substantial increase from the 61% recorded in 2023.

The report highlights that 90% of bettors set budgets for their weekly or seasonal gambling activities, demonstrating a significant focus on financial planning. However, bettors are flexible in their choice of platforms, with 68% using two or more betting sites each week, up from 54% the previous year. Promotions, such as free bets, are a major attraction, with 42% selecting sites based on these offers.

Community betting remains popular, with 94% participating in betting pools and 79% in fantasy football. Regular NFL viewing is also prevalent, with 74% of bettors watching games consistently, and 90% of these viewers feel that watching games enhances their overall betting experience.

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.