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The upcoming NFL season is expected to draw $30 billion in legal wagers, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). That number, while massive, comes in lower than the group’s $35 billion estimate from last year.
Good to know
The estimate covers futures bets placed during the preseason, regular season, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. It does not include wagers from prediction markets, which continue to operate separately.
Unlike previous seasons, no new states will be live when the NFL kicks off on September 4. That changes later in the year, when Missouri launches online and retail sports betting on December 1, becoming the 39th state with a regulated market. Until then, 38 jurisdictions will carry the NFL betting load.
The AGA calculated this year’s projection by combining last season’s totals with overall sports betting handle growth in 2025, factoring in states that publish sport-specific wagering data.
Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, football betting has grown into one of the most visible parts of the U.S. wagering market. The AGA says 75% of Americans now support legal sports betting in their state, and nine in ten view NFL wagering as a mainstream form of entertainment.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller framed it as a way to enhance fan culture:
“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.”
The association continues to highlight consumer protections and responsible play as the season begins. Miller added:
“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.”
There are a number of reasons for this.