Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Study: Radio Listeners Show More Interest in Online Sports


Westwood One
Westwood One

In order to obtain a broad national perspective of the emerging online sports betting market, Cumulus Media's Westwood One commissioned a study in April across the twelve states where online sports wagering is fully legalized. MARU/Matchbox surveyed 718 adults over the age of 21 in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The key findings were outlined in this week's Westwood One blog.

  • In states with legalized sports betting, younger adults and men are the most likely to be interested in wagering on sports betting sites: When asked how likely they would be to visit or place a wager at an online sports betting site or app, 23% of adults 21+ say they are very or somewhat interested in online sports betting. Nearly half of adults 21-34 say they would be interested. Among adults 35-54, interest drops to 30%.

  • Compared to TV viewers, AM/FM radio listeners have far more experience with sports betting, greater interest, and greater awareness of online sports betting brands.

  • Nielsen Scarborough: Those engaged with sports betting are very light TV viewers, making linear TV a very expensive media option: AM/FM radio is far more effective at reaching the online sports bettor.

  • Ideal media allocation mix for online sports betting brands: 57% AM/FM radio, 43% TV: Among those interested in sports betting, 40% are heavy AM/FM radio listeners and 30% are heavy TV viewers, a relationship that converts to a ratio of 57% AM/FM radio and 43% TV.

  • Aided awareness: 70% are aware of FanDuel and DraftKings, four out of ten are familiar with BetMGM and Golden Nugget, and eight brands have aided awareness ranging from 20% to 29%.

  • AM/FM radio listeners have +44% greater aided familiarity for online sports betting brands compared to TV viewers, despite all the money showered on TV.

  • Brand scorecard: Among those interested in online sports betting, DraftKings and FanDuel tie for the lead, BetMGM places next, and a large group of brands occupy the next tier.

  • Among AM/FM radio programming format listeners, Sports, Urban, Alternative Rock, Adult Contemporary, News/Talk, Country, Top 40, and Rock fans show the greatest interest in sports betting.

  • Online sports-betting-AM/FM radio buys are under-weighted on Rock, Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Classic Hits/Oldies; AM/FM radio programming formats that are over-weighted include Sports, News/Talk and Classic Rock.

  • Podcasts represent a strong media platform for online sports betting brands as podcast listeners are +63% more likely to be sports betters, and podcasts reach 39% of sports bettors: Sports bettors listen most to News/Government/History, Comedy, and Society and Culture podcasts.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Trusty Highlights Broadcasters' Public Interest Role
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty
At the NAB Show 2026, FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty outlined her vision for how broadcasters can fulfill the long-standing "public interest" standard, emphasizing localism, accountability and the need for updated policies in a rapidly evolving media landscape. In remarks titled "Finding the Angel of the More

Aaron Miller Returns to CMG Tampa as Director of Sales
Aaron Miller
Aaron Miller
Cox Media Group (CMG) Tampa has named Aaron Miller Director of Sales, marking his return to the organization. Miller rejoins CMG from Audacy and previously worked with CMG Tampa, where the company says he developed strong ties to the local market and client base. In his new role, Miller will oversee the More

Westwood One Blog Outlines AI Best Practices
Cumulus Media | Westwood One
Cumulus Media | Westwood One
A new blog post from Cumulus Media's Westwood One Audio Active Group highlights how local advertisers can more effectively use artificial intelligence tools to guide media planning and buying decisions. Authored by Cumulus Operations President Bob Walker, the piece emphasizes that AI platforms require a More
Advertisement

Talent Farm Adds Five New 24/7 Radio Formats
Talent Farm
Talent Farm
Talent Farm has expanded its syndication portfolio with the launch of five new 24/7 radio formats, offering affiliates additional programming options across multiple high-demand music genres. The new formats -- "The Harbor" (Yacht Rock & Smooth Classics), "The Coast" (Classic Alternative), "The Boombox" More

KUNV/LAs Vegas Marks 45 Years, Nears $45K Drive Goal
KUNV-FM/Las Vegas
KUNV-FM/Las Vegas
KUNV 91.5 FM in Las Vegas is celebrating its 45th anniversary, highlighting decades of student-driven broadcasting while nearing its fundraising goal during its Spring Membership Drive. The station, licensed to University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is approaching its $45,000 target, boosted by a special live More

Tony Katz Today Adds Detroit, Tampa Affiliates
Tony Katz
Tony Katz
Key Networks has expanded the reach of its nationally syndicated midday program "Tony Katz Today" with two new affiliates in Detroit and Tampa. The show, hosted by Tony Katz, is now airing on WFDF (910 AM Superstation) in Detroit and WHBO (NewsTalk 1040 AM/94.5) in Tampa, extending its presence into two key More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement