Rising Online Sports Betting Participation Emerges from Latest Siena Research Institute Survey

The American Sport Fanship Survey conducted by the Siena Research Institute in partnership with St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication captured responses from 3,084 U.S. residents between February 16 and 27 of 2026, and the resulting data shows participation in online sports betting has continued its upward trajectory while certain behaviors among users have shifted as well.

According to the findings 27 percent of Americans now maintain an active online sports betting account, a figure that stands higher than the 22 percent recorded in 2025 and the 19 percent measured in 2024, while an additional 6 percent have opened an account at least once bringing the total share of people who have tried the activity to 33 percent.

Year-over-Year Growth in Account Ownership

Those numbers reflect a steady climb across three annual measurements, with the share of active accounts rising eight percentage points over the period and the share of people who have ever opened one increasing by a comparable margin, which points to broader adoption of digital platforms for placing wagers on sports events.

The survey data further indicates that among individuals who currently hold active accounts or have used one in the past, patterns of behavior associated with betting activity have shown measurable increases between 2025 and 2026.

Indicators of Problematic Betting Patterns

Sixty percent of bettors reported chasing losses in an attempt to recover previous setbacks, up from 52 percent the prior year, while 31 percent said someone had expressed concern about their usage, compared with 23 percent in 2025; these two metrics together form the core of the behavioral indicators tracked in the study.

Additional context from the poll reveals that majorities of all respondents expressed support for policy measures aimed at limiting exposure, including a ban on advertisements during live sporting events and the introduction of stronger federal oversight intended to address risks tied to compulsive gambling habits.

Public Backing for Regulatory Measures

The survey asked participants about several potential restrictions, and the responses showed consistent majorities favoring both the prohibition of in-game advertising and enhanced federal rules designed to safeguard users against excessive play; these attitudes appeared across demographic groups even as overall participation rates continued to expand.

Because the poll was fielded in late February 2026 the results offer a snapshot of attitudes and behaviors at the start of the year, providing a baseline that observers can compare against later measurements once additional regulatory discussions or market changes take effect.

Survey Methodology and Scope

Researchers collected the information through an online panel that reached a nationally representative sample, allowing the Siena Research Institute to track changes from prior waves and to segment responses by betting status; the methodology remained consistent with earlier editions so that direct year-over-year comparisons remain valid.

Figures from the study also show that the growth in account ownership has not been uniform, yet the overall direction across the three-year span points to sustained interest in online sports betting platforms among American adults.

Conclusion

The Siena Research Institute survey released in April 2026 therefore documents both the continued expansion of active online sports betting accounts and the parallel rise in certain self-reported behaviors among users, while simultaneously recording broad public support for advertising limits and stronger federal regulation; these data points together supply a factual record of current market conditions and attitudes that can inform future analysis of the sector. The full report contains additional breakdowns by demographic categories and prior-year comparisons for readers seeking further detail.