Legal sports betting on the NFL is poised to attain unprecedented ranges this 12 months, with Americans anticipated to stake roughly $30 billion by regulated sportsbooks throughout the United States. The estimate, released by the American Gaming Association (AGA), marks an 8.5% bounce from final season’s revised determine of roughly $27.5 billion.
The AGA calculated its forecast utilizing industry-wide wagering progress information from 2025, mixed with state-level statistics particularly tied to skilled soccer. The projection additionally accounts for bets positioned on preseason contests, futures markets starting as early as March, regular-season matchups, the playoffs, and Super Bowl LX in February 2026.
“This season, fans have more ways than ever to responsibly engage with the game they love. Legal sports betting enhances the fun and friendly competition that make NFL games and traditions even more special,” mentioned Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. He added that with client protections in place, the regulated {industry} is dedicated to encouraging followers to take pleasure in betting responsibly.
Responsible Gaming Front and Center
The AGA continues to emphasize its nationwide marketing campaign, “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly,” which highlights 5 guiding ideas for bettors: set a funds and keep it up, deal with betting as leisure, perceive the chances, use solely authorized sportsbooks, and keep away from harassment of athletes.
Miller underscored this level additional: “With strong consumer protections and a shared commitment to responsibility, the legal, regulated sports betting industry encourages all football fans to have a game plan before placing a bet and ensure their gameday experience — regardless of the outcome of a bet or the game — remains enjoyable.”
Research exhibits the message is resonating with the general public. AGA polling signifies that 75% of Americans assist legalized betting in their house states, whereas 90% take into account sports activities wagering an appropriate type of leisure. Meanwhile, the National Council on Problem Gambling reported in 2024 that “risky gambling behaviors” have stabilized after a surge between 2018 and 2021, throughout the early growth of U.S. sports activities betting and the pandemic.
Growth of the Legal Market
Sports wagering is at present authorized in 38 states plus Washington, D.C., with on-line betting accessible in 33 jurisdictions. Missouri is predicted to be part of the market on December 1, 2025, pushing the variety of states with authorized choices to 39.
Despite the regulated {industry}’s progress, the unlawful betting market stays energetic. According to the AGA, unregulated bookies and offshore operators accepted an estimated $84 billion in bets throughout all sports activities in 2024, producing round $5 billion in income. While their share of the U.S. market has dropped to 24% from 36% in 2022, Miller emphasised that unlawful operators nonetheless pose a big risk.
“These bad actors operate in the shadows with zero consumer protections, no responsible gaming obligations, and no economic return to the communities they exploit,” Miller mentioned. “Combating them requires not only stronger U.S. enforcement, but also continuing to work closely with our international partners to shut down offshore operators and hold them accountable.”
NFL Betting Landscape and Season Outlook
The NFL season kicks off September 4, with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, a matchup that already has Philadelphia favored by 6.5 factors with an over/beneath of 46.5.
Sportsbooks like DraftKings report that no different league attracts extra betting quantity than the NFL, regardless of having fewer video games than the NBA or MLB. Futures markets are additionally heating up. Heading into the season, DraftKings lists the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens as Super Bowl favorites at +600, adopted by the Eagles at +750, the Kansas City Chiefs at +850, and the Detroit Lions at +1200. On the other finish, the New Orleans Saints carry the longest odds at +5000, trailed intently by the Cleveland Browns at +4000.
Other platforms exterior of conventional sportsbooks, comparable to prediction markets and each day fantasy websites, additionally seize NFL betting curiosity. For instance, Kalshi, a trading-style market the place customers purchase and promote outcomes, reported that $62.5 million has already been traded on NFL wagers this 12 months.
Balancing Opportunity with Responsibility
While authorized NFL betting continues to surge, issues stay concerning the potential downsides of widespread wagering. Both sports activities leagues and gamers’ unions have famous elevated on-line threats directed at athletes, coaches, and officers from disgruntled bettors. The NFL has responded by bolstering its safety operations, monitoring digital platforms, and conducting background checks on people liable for threats.
Even with such challenges, the expansion trajectory of authorized sports activities betting stays clear. With billions in projected wagers, expanded market entry, and strong regulatory oversight, the 2025 NFL season is about to be the most important ever for authorized soccer betting in the United States.
