Most Common Betting Activities Among Americans 2024

Lottery games such as Powerball and bingo dominate betting activities among Americans, with nearly 40% of respondents participating. This high engagement reflects the accessibility and cultural familiarity of these games, often promoted through state-run lotteries and community events. In contrast, sit-down slots or gaming machines are the second most popular choice, attracting 23.7% of participants. This preference could be attributed to the immersive gaming experience and the widespread availability of slot machines in casinos and other entertainment venues.

Online and in-person card games, including blackjack and poker, also feature prominently, with participation rates of 21.1% and 20.9%, respectively. The growing adoption of online platforms and the appeal of social interaction in physical casinos contribute to these figures. Notably, sports betting through online platforms or apps (21.0%) slightly edges out in-person bets at casinos or sportsbooks (14.0%), highlighting the convenience and increasing legalization of digital sports wagering. Meanwhile, niche activities like daily fantasy sports (17.0%) and betting on real-life events (9.8%) underscore the diversification of betting options catering to varied interests.

Explore related charts to gain a better understanding of sports betting frequency, favored betting channels in the USA, rise of real-time sports betting in America.