Are Online and Video Games Driving Soccer’s Increasing Popularity in the USA?

While soccer has long been the world’s favorite sport, the United States of America has famously been adverse to the charms of the beautiful game. But, its appeal to millennials has put it in demand across the country, as shown by USA Today, making it clear that soccer’s popularity is on the rise in the USA.

Many see this development as a natural generational shift but one of the underpinning driving forces of this could be a part of the culture of the younger generations. Gaming is a major pastime among under-30s, with playing sports games at online casinos, on consoles, and on mobiles being very common. So, it stands to reason that games are influencing a shift in sports fandom.

The rise of soccer games in the USA

Online casinos are among the most popular gaming platforms in the world, with those who have tried betting at Rise Casino rating it as one of the best sites out there. The online casino is a slot game specialist and, with its experience in the field and vast game library, the only major sports games on offer are the soccer slots like Football Champions Cup and Cup Carnaval because they have proven to be overwhelmingly more popular across the world than games that feature other sports – even in North America.

As another indicator to games influencing the rise in the popularity of soccer, the EA Sports franchise FIFA continues to be a very popular video game in the USA. While the developer’s football title, Madden, often dominates in most states, FIFA has emerged as their second most-popular title. Playing sports games allows players to learn the rules of the game intuitively as well as become familiar with its superstars, helping them to become fans.

Big-name signings may also help

While Europe boasts the vast majority of the world’s best soccer players, the MLS has welcomed its fair share of big-name players over the last couple of years. England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is one of the most recent stars to join the MLS, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bastian Schweinsteiger also currently playing in the league.

While big-name signings help to fill stadiums, gaming has certainly helped to increase soccer’s fan base with this newer generation of sports fans.