Americans to legally bet $30 billion on 2025 NFL Season, according to AGA

Americans are expected to wager about $30 billion on the 2025 NFL season through legal sportsbooks, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). The figure marks an 8.5% increase from last year’s estimated handle of $27.6 billion. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller commented on the association's findings: "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. "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." The association's national campaign, Have A Game Plan®. Bet Responsibly™, promotes five key principles. Bettors are urged to set a budget and stick to it, keep betting social, understand the odds, use only legal platforms, and avoid harassment of athletes. Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting. Public support remains strong, with 75% of Americans backing legal wagering in their state and 90% viewing it as an acceptable form of entertainment, according to AGA data. This year's estimate is based on national handle growth to date in 2025 applied to last year's estimated NFL season total, along with football-specific reporting from select states used to calculate the share of wagers expected on professional football. The estimate includes preseason games, futures booked as early as March, the playoffs, and Super Bowl LX (Feb. 2026). According to a National Council on Problem Gambling survey, risky gambling habits have steadied after a sharp increase from 2018 to 2021, fueled by the pandemic and the rapid growth of sports betting in the U.S. Meanwhile, leagues and players’ unions report more online threats from bettors targeting athletes, coaches, and officials. The NFL said its security team tracks social media, monitors platforms, and runs background checks on people who make threats. The season starts Sept. 4, with the Cowboys visiting the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.