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 more insights into sports betting frequency in the USA, motivations for sports betting, preferred betting channels, and changes in betting habits in the USA.