Can You Be a Sports Fan Without Betting? The Lines Are Blurring

Decades ago, you could safely say that the line between sports and betting was a bit thicker than it is today. Yet, these days, you can’t watch a live sporting event without seeing an ad for DraftKings or FanDuel.

Sports fans are more interested in betting now than ever before.

So, is it possible to be a sports fan without betting? The short answer is yes. Obviously, there are plenty of sports fans who never visit the betting window.

Let’s take a look at how many Americans are sports fans, how many of us enjoy wagering on sports, and the reasons why more fans are not bettors.

How Many Sports Fans Are in the US?

Polls show that there are 180 million sports fans in the U.S. who are at least 18 years old. Obviously, many of these fans are not legally allowed to bet on sports due to age restrictions.

Yet, the largest sports fan bloc in the country falls in the 35 to 44 age bracket, where 37% of people call themselves sports fans and only 18% have no interest in sports.

How Many People Bet on Sports in the US?

34 million Americans bet on sports in the U.S. in 2023 alone. That’s more than five times the number of sports fans.

Still, gambling and the sports industry have become tied in ways we might not have thought possible a decade ago.

Reasons Viewers Become Sports Fans

There are plenty of reasons to love sports, especially in the U.S. Many of the world’s top athletes compete or were born in the country.

But why do we have so many die-hard fans stateside? Let’s look at a few reasons why Americans love to love sports.

They’ve Inherited a Team

In the U.S., sports are akin to religion and politics; you inherit your family’s team when you’re born. And though you may deviate from that team as an adult, there’s always a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie when they return home.

They Crave Social Connections

Watching sports at home or in the stadium is a way to make social connections. We’ve seen groups of people who would otherwise not socialize come together to celebrate their favorite sports team.

They Need a Break

Like any hobby, watching sports offers an escape from the day-to-day. For 90 minutes of a soccer match or eight innings of a baseball game, you can forget about your troubles. Plus, it’s never a bad feeling when your team wins.

Why Would a Sports Fan Choose Not to Become a Bettor?

Sports and betting have become inevitably linked, especially in the past few years. So, why isn’t every fan a bettor? Let’s take a look at why so many sports fans opt out of making wagers.

Age/Location Restrictions

In the U.S., many states restrict sports betting by age and location. Most states set the minimum age to place sports bets at 21 years old. In other states, you only need to be 18 or 19 to bet on sports. In some states, all sports betting is illegal.

Gambling Addiction

The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that 2.5 million Americans suffer from gambling addictions. Many of these people opt out of gambling because doing so could be detrimental.

Not Interested in Gambling

Some Americans simply are not interested in gambling. It’s totally okay to be a sports fan and opt out of betting on sports.

Religious or Cultural Restrictions

Some religions and cultures frown upon gambling, and there’s definitely a stigma associated with gambling, so sports fans who fall into these groups may decide not to opt out of wagering.