The NFL remains the king of sports betting in the U.S.
The American Gaming Association announced on Thursday that an estimated $30 billion will be legally wagered on the 2025 NFL season, a dip from last year’s projections. This projection encompasses all futures bets, including those for the preseason, regular season, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
Key Takeaways
- The AGA’s first NFL legal-sports betting estimate in 2024 was $35 billion.
- No new jurisdictions have launched since last season, but Missouri will start offering wagering on Dec. 1.
- This year’s estimate does not include sports event contracts at prediction markets.
The industry trade group’s first-ever estimate based on online and retail sports betting in 38 legal U.S. states was $35 billion in 2024. No jurisdictions will have added wagering when the NFL kicks off on Sept. 4. Missouri will launch online and retail sportsbooks on Dec. 1.
“This season, fans have more ways than ever to responsibly engage with the game they love,” AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said. “Legal sports betting enhances the fun and friendly competition that make NFL games and traditions even more special.”
The AGA, which represents commercial and tribal casino and sports betting operators, derived this year’s projection from applying last year’s pro football total to sports betting handle growth across the U.S. in 2025. The group also used wagering in states that release sport-by-sport handles to reach their estimate.
Enjoying the experience
Sports betting has exploded since PASPA was overturned in 2018, allowing states to decide if they want to legalize and regulate sportsbooks. The AGA reports that 75% of Americans support sports betting in their home state, while 90% see wagering on the NFL and other leagues as an “acceptable form of entertainment.”
The AGA does encourage responsible gaming during the busiest sports months of the calendar.
“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,” Miller said.
Profitable time
No other sport moves the needle like the NFL. The AGA estimated earlier this year that $1.39 billion would be wagered on Super Bowl LIX, which was won by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Last year was a roller coaster ride for bettors and operators. Sports betting companies reported significant year-over-year hold declines in October and December. However, revenue skyrocketed in September and November, making the fourth quarter of 2024 the most profitable for many operators.
The AGA’s NFL estimates don’t include figures generated by prediction markets at sites like Kalshi and Robinhood. Polymarket, a global trading exchange company, is expected to offer NFL event contracts when the platform enters the U.S. this fall.
