US sports bettors are more likely to bet with a non-approved bookmaker on this season’s National Football League action, despite increased access to locally licensed betting options.

On Wednesday, the American Gaming Association (AGA) released the results of a new survey into Americans’ 2020 NFL betting plans. The survey of 2,200 adults showed 54% of bettors are stoked about the new NFL season – which kicks off Thursday – versus just 41% of ‘avid and general’ NFL fans and just 18% of the general US population.

The numbers aren’t really a great surprise, as numerous surveys have shown bettors are far more dedicated consumers of NFL broadcasts than non-bettors. 

But some 42% of US adults are actually less enthusiastic about the 2020 NFL season, with the increased politicization surrounding the game cited as the primary cause (36%) of this waning appeal. Other contributing factors were the absence of fans in the stands (19%) and the inability of fans to congregate with friends to watch games (17%) due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.