Younger gamblers display a wider range of betting preferences compared to their older counterparts
Young Americans Lead in Sports Betting Participation
A recent survey reveals a notable trend in the United States, with younger Americans, particularly those aged 18 to 34, showing the highest participation rates in sports betting compared to older generations.
According to the study, about 34% of adults aged 25 to 34 reported using a sportsbook in the past 12 months, the largest share among age groups[1]. This indicates a stronger engagement with sports betting among younger adults than older demographics.
The survey, which polled 24,563 monthly sports bettors, also found that among gamblers between the ages of 18 and 34, 41% favoured the NBA as their preferred sport, making it the most popular among this age group[2]. Soccer followed closely, with 13% of respondents preferring the sport, while the NFL and Major League Baseball were third and fourth respectively, with 35% and 47% of respondents favouring these sports[2].
Interestingly, esports was the least popular sport among the same age group, with only 3% of respondents expressing a preference for it[2].
The survey also revealed that among Americans aged 55 and up, the NFL was the most popular sport to bet on, with 71% saying they'd bet on pro football[1]. This is a significant drop compared to the 34% of 25 to 34-year-olds who reported using a sportsbook in the past year.
The trend towards sports betting among younger Americans is likely due to a number of factors. Sports betting is legal and growing in 38 states plus D.C., with expanding access and strong market growth nationally[4][5]. Americans in general wager significantly more money on gambling, including sports betting, than global averages, highlighting the expansive nature of betting in the U.S[2].
Moreover, the U.S. sports betting market continues to grow with monthly handle and revenue increasing year-over-year, driven largely by expanded legalization and adoption among all age groups but especially young adults[3][4][5].
The study also found that DraftKings and FanDuel had the highest global "brand consideration" in the YouGov study, while BetMGM and bet365 were a tier below[1]. However, despite FOX Bet ceasing to take wagers this past summer, the platform outranked Caesars Sportsbook in the study.
Half of the surveyed younger demographic acknowledged being "very worried about the issue of problem gambling," while only 23% of gamblers above the age of 54 felt the same way[1]. This suggests that younger Americans may be more aware of the potential risks associated with sports betting.
In summary, younger Americans (18–34) lead in sports betting participation, reflecting broader trends toward digital engagement, mobile apps, and online sportsbooks, while older generations participate at lower rates[1]. The strong market expansion and high betting volumes underline this generational difference in betting behavior.
- The survey indicated that among the gamblers aged 18 to 34, 41% preferred the NBA as their choice for sports betting, confirming a stronger engagement with sports betting in the league compared to other sports.
- The growth of sports betting among young Americans can be attributed to factors such as the legalization of sports betting in 38 states, the expanding access to online sportsbooks, and a higher wagering volume in the U.S compared to global averages.
- When it comes to finance, the survey revealed that younger Americans who engage in sports betting may be more aware of the potential risks associated with problem gambling, with 50% acknowledging they are "very worried about the issue," compared to only 23% of gamblers aged 54 and above.
