Chaos reigned in 2025; we won’t sugarcoat it. Global tensions heightened, OpenAI launched GPT-5, and Katy Perry went to space, then started dating the Canadian former prime minister. And that’s barely scratching the surface.
Is it a coincidence that as the world has become more complex, interest in sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) has surged, with players aged 13-20 showing a particular interest? Simultaneously, sports betting platforms ran aggressive in-game television ads endorsed by famous athletes and celebrities.
Perhaps the explosion of players is a reflection of both.
Sports Betting has a Banner Year
Findings from a new study conducted by the Angus Reid Group on behalf of the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) reveal that an estimated 84 million adults in the U.S. and Canada participated in fantasy sports or sports betting in the past 12 months—up from 81 million in 2024. Despite broader population growth, the data signals that the industry has fully entered the mainstream.
The results, presented at the 2025 FSGA Summer Conference in Chicago, highlight continued stability in overall engagement and promising trends among younger players, signaling future growth across both fantasy sports and sports betting.
This 3.7% increase in participants comes amid growing public health concerns about the volume and impact of betting ads on youth. Canada, in particular, is in the process of introducing a national advertising framework to regulate the scope and placement of advertisements with Bill S-211.
Additionally, forty Canadian senators signed a letter to the Prime Minister in November 2025, requesting a complete ban on all sports betting advertising. The data suggests that efforts to curb interest in sports betting may come too late for Gen Z.
A Young Person’s Game
The next generation is already deeply familiar with fantasy sports and betting platforms, with most aware of at least four DFS or sportsbook brands. Among 13–20-year-old season-long fantasy players, the average starting age is just 14. These young players are highly engaged—66% update their lineups daily and 64% pay league entry fees—with a median annual spend of $100.
Looking ahead, the majority expect to expand their participation: 74% of fantasy players say they will engage in sports betting once legally eligible. Perceptions of earning potential also shape interest: 72% believe DFS is an easy way to make money, and an identical 72% say the same about sports betting.
Additional insights into Gen Z reveal noteworthy trends in how young players engage with fantasy sports and betting platforms:
- NFL and NBA are the most popular sports, but soccer, esports, and MMA/UFC show strong appeal.
- 91% of next-gen fantasy players expect to continue playing next year.
- 90% plan to enter paid contests when of age.
- 73% intend to play Daily Fantasy Sports.
Players Are Doubling Down
Across the U.S. and Canada, fantasy sports and sports betting continue to draw large audiences, with approximately 57 million people playing fantasy sports and 66 million participating in sports betting.
While sports betting currently holds a slight edge in overall popularity, both formats maintain strong and loyal followings. Notably, nearly half of all U.S. players engage in both fantasy sports and sports betting, underscoring the increasingly blurred lines between the two and highlighting substantial potential for dual-platform participation.
Whether driven by escapism, the appeal of quick cash, or deeper motivations, sports betting is clearly resonating with younger audiences. The 2025 data shows a powerful shift: younger fans are engaging at increasing rates, signaling long-term growth for the industry.Share your insights to influence the headlines and policies shaping America and get rewarded.
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