Americans are projected to wager a record $30 billion on the 2025 NFL season through legal U.S. sportsbooks, an 8.5% increase from the previous season’s estimated $27.6 billion, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA).
This figure includes bets on preseason games, futures markets (like Super Bowl odds), regular-season games, playoffs, and Super Bowl LX in February 2026. The estimate is based on 2025 national wagering growth and football-specific data from select states.
The growth reflects the expanding legal sports betting market, now available in 38 states and Washington, D.C., following the 2018 Supreme Court decision to overturn PASPA. The AGA emphasizes responsible gambling through its “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” campaign, promoting principles like setting budgets, betting legally, and maintaining good sportsmanship.
However, illegal sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline remain a challenge, with estimates suggesting $84 billion is wagered illegally annually, costing states billions in tax revenue. Prosecutors are cracking down on unlicensed operators, and the AGA notes that regulated platforms are gaining traction due to consumer protections.
Major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars dominate, though new players like Robinhood and Kalshi are entering with prediction markets.
The Super Bowl alone is expected to generate over $1.3 billion in bets, doubling previous years. Despite concerns about problem gambling, a 2024 National Council on Problem Gambling survey indicates risky behaviors have stabilized since the early surge from 2018-2021.