
New study highlights popularity of in-play betting on NFL
Survey from Optimove finds 61% of sampled bettors make live wagers

The new NFL season is about to kick off and if the results from a recent Optimove study are any indicator, in-play betting is poised to become even more prevalent among US bettors in 2023 and beyond.
According to the report, which surveyed 287 US citizens who bet on the NFL in August, 61% of respondents engaged in live wagering.
That’s reflective of a greater trendline that has seen in-play betting – which comprises upwards of 70-80% of total handle in more mature markets overseas – steadily gain prominence stateside.
The data also revealed that just under two-thirds of respondents (63%) bet on NFL games weekly, with 37% wagering on multiple games each week.
In addition, more than eight in 10 of those surveyed (81%) said they manage a budget for NFL betting. Bankroll management represents a critical component of responsible gambling (RG).
While 92% of respondents indicated they were aware of responsible gaming (RG) resources, 45% acknowledged having bet more than they could afford to lose. Two in five respondents (40%), meanwhile, said they had leveraged RG resources for setting limits or seeking help.
It’s also worth noting that the timing of the survey would indicate the sample likely captured predominately die-hard NFL bettors, as most recreational bettors typically don’t wager on the NFL preseason, which takes place exclusively during the month of August.
That was further underscored by 54% of respondents saying they use at least two apps for their wagers, with 18% using three or more apps – traits of a more seasoned and sophisticated bettor.
In terms of app choices, DraftKings (23%) and FanDuel (13%) were unsurprisingly the most popular platforms, while 21% of respondents conveyed no preference.
Of the nearly 300 bettors surveyed, all were 21 or older with household incomes of generally $75,000 or more.