AGA Survey Finds Strong Public Trust in Legal Betting Market

More Americans are visiting casinos than ever before, and the support for legal betting keeps climbing. A new report from the American Gaming Association (AGA) paints a clear picture of a maturing industry built on trust, responsibility, and entertainment.

Good to Know

• Over half of American adults have visited a casino in the past year
• 74% of Americans back legal, regulated sports betting
• Nearly 9 in 10 bettors believe responsible gaming messages make a difference

How Popular Have Casinos Become?

According to the AGA’s latest consumer survey, more than 50% of adults in the US have visited a casino in the past year—the highest rate ever recorded. Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters of Americans now support legal and regulated sports wagering, showing how normalized betting has become in the broader entertainment landscape.

Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, said:

“These results underscore a sustainable foundation for the American gaming industry, reflecting strong consumer confidence in a state-regulated market as a safe and trusted form of entertainment.”

Why Do Americans Prefer Legal Betting?

The survey also revealed how legality guides player behavior. About 93% of sports bettors check if a platform is legal before placing a wager, while 90% of iGaming users do the same. However, 40% of those players still find it difficult to identify which platforms hold proper licenses.

That insight underscores how critical education and transparency are for regulated operators trying to separate themselves from illegal markets.

Are Responsible Gaming Efforts Working?

Responsible gaming programs are earning stronger marks from players than ever before. Among retail casino visitors, 77% now see these programs as effective—up from 67% in 2018. Sports bettors show even higher approval, with 88% saying that responsible gaming messaging helps them avoid risky habits.

In states where sports betting is already live, 70% of residents said the industry carries the main responsibility for ensuring clear and responsible marketing. The AGA considers that a vital component in helping consumers find and stick with legal betting options.

How Is the AGA Building on Consumer Trust?

Miller said the association will continue driving growth within a framework of responsibility and transparency:

“We will continue to build on this momentum by expanding the legal market, strengthening responsibility and ensuring gaming delivers for players and communities alike.”

FAQ

What percentage of Americans visit casinos?

More than 50% of US adults visited a casino this year, marking the highest level ever recorded by the AGA.

How many Americans support legal sports betting?

The AGA’s data shows 74% of Americans favor legalized and regulated sports wagering.

Are players aware of which betting platforms are legal?

Most bettors consider legality before wagering, but around 40% still struggle to tell which sites are licensed.

Do responsible gaming programs actually work?

Yes. The AGA found that 77% of casino players and 88% of sports bettors believe such programs effectively encourage safer play.

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