Here’s What New Research Tells Us About Sports Bettors in America
We’re learning more than ever about today’s sports bettor.
Recent findings from academic institutions, consumer research organizations, and national surveys offer a more detailed picture of sports betting in America—from who participates to how often and how much they wager. Here’s what the latest research tells us.
Most Sports Bettors Place Wagers $20 or Less
Most sports bettors tend to wager relatively small amounts. 60% reported a typical wager of $20 or less, while 68% said their largest single-day loss was $50 or less, according to a 2026 Journal of Financial Literacy and Wellbeing study.
FanDuel data shows a similar pattern, with a median Sportsbook wager of $5.
Sports Betting Participation Was Higher in the 1980s and ’90s
While mobile sportsbooks have changed how Americans can place wagers, betting on sports existed long before today's legal online market.
Gallup, which has tracked Americans' gambling habits for decades, found that reported participation in betting on professional sports has remained relatively consistent since 2003.
Historical surveys show that this activity was actually more popular in the late 1980s and ‘90s!
The Average Sports Bettor is 36 Years Old
The average FanDuel Sportsbook customer is 36 years old, making them old enough to remember dial-up internet and burning CDs.
That age is consistent with broader research on American sports bettors. A 2026 Morning Consult report found that Millennials (born between 1981–1996) make up the largest share of sports bettors at 41%, followed by Gen X (1965–1980) at 27%.
Sports Bettors Tend to Be More Active
Sports bettors spend their time on much more than betting, according to Morning Consult.
One of the biggest differences is playing sports. Among sports bettors, 69% play or practice sports, compared with 40% of American adults overall.
That extends to travel, too. Sports bettors are more likely to travel internationally, with 28% reporting international travel, compared with 18% of American adults.
Together, the findings paint a broader picture of sports bettors as an active group with interests and experiences that extend well beyond betting!
Most Sports Bettors Wager Once a Month or Less
For many Americans, sports betting is an occasional activity. About 83% of sports bettors placed a wager once a month or less.
Half reported betting only a few times during the previous year, while another 21.9% said they placed just one bet.
More frequent participation was less common, with approximately 10% betting weekly, 5% a few times per week and 2% daily.
Empowering Every Sports Bettor
Together, this research provides a clearer picture of today’s average sports bettor—but averages only tell part of the story. No two sports bettors are exactly alike, and how people engage with sports betting can vary widely.
That’s why FanDuel offers a range of player tools that give customers more visibility and control over their play, including tools to track spending, set limits, and take a break when needed.
As research continues to deepen our understanding of sports bettors, those insights can help inform how the industry builds products, tools, and resources that reflect the different ways customers engage with sports betting.
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