Poll: Jacksonville Jaguars fans back sports betting

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A poll from the American Gaming Association says Jacksonville Jaguars fans want to lift the federal ban on sports betting, relegating authority to the state.

From the release: “Morning Consult, on behalf of the American Gaming Association, conducted an online survey of 779 Jacksonville Jaguars fans from December 19, 2016 to January 4, 2017. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 4%.”

The findings: 54% say it’s time to lift the federal ban on sports betting; 57% say regulating and taxing sports betting would generate revenue for education and public safety programs; 46% say they would be more likely to watch a game if they place a bet on it.

A mere 17 percent of Jaguars fans don’t back legalized sports betting, according to the poll.

“Jaguars fans overwhelmingly recognize the federal ban on sports betting has failed. They support lifting the federal ban on sports betting because they believe a legalized, regulated market will generate vital tax revenue, increase fan interest in games and make betting safe for consumers,” said Geoff Freeman, AGA president.