Legal sports betting on the NFL is poised to reach unprecedented levels this year, with Americans expected to stake approximately $30 billion through regulated sportsbooks across the United States. The estimate, released by the American Gaming Association (AGA), marks an 8.5% jump from last season’s revised figure of roughly $27.5 billion.

The AGA calculated its forecast using industry-wide wagering growth data from 2025, combined with state-level statistics specifically tied to professional football. The projection also accounts for bets placed on preseason contests, futures markets beginning 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,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. He added that with consumer protections in place, the regulated industry is committed to encouraging fans to enjoy betting responsibly.

Responsible Gaming Front and Center

The AGA continues to emphasize its national campaign, “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly,” which highlights five guiding principles for bettors: set a budget and stick with it, treat betting as entertainment, understand the odds, use only legal sportsbooks, and avoid harassment of athletes.

Miller underscored this point further: “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 shows the message is resonating with the public. AGA polling indicates that 75% of Americans support legalized betting in their home states, while 90% consider sports wagering an acceptable form of entertainment. Meanwhile, the National Council on Problem Gambling reported in 2024 that “risky gambling behaviors” have stabilized after a surge between 2018 and 2021, during the early expansion of U.S. sports betting and the pandemic.

Growth of the Legal Market

Sports wagering is currently legal in 38 states plus Washington, D.C., with online betting available in 33 jurisdictions. Missouri is expected to join the market on December 1, 2025, pushing the number of states with legal options to 39.

Despite the regulated industry’s growth, the illegal betting market remains active. According to the AGA, unregulated bookies and offshore operators accepted an estimated $84 billion in bets across all sports in 2024, generating around $5 billion in revenue. While their share of the U.S. market has dropped to 24% from 36% in 2022, Miller emphasized that illegal operators still pose a significant threat.

“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 said. “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 points with an over/under of 46.5.

Sportsbooks like DraftKings report that no other league draws more betting volume than the NFL, despite having fewer games than the NBA or MLB. Futures markets are also heating up. Heading into the season, DraftKings lists the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens as Super Bowl favorites at +600, followed by the Eagles at +750, the Kansas City Chiefs at +850, and the Detroit Lions at +1200. On the opposite end, the New Orleans Saints carry the longest odds at +5000, trailed closely by the Cleveland Browns at +4000.

Other platforms outside of traditional sportsbooks, such as prediction markets and daily fantasy sites, also capture NFL betting interest. For example, Kalshi, a trading-style market where users buy and sell outcomes, reported that $62.5 million has already been traded on NFL wagers this year.

Balancing Opportunity with Responsibility

While legal NFL betting continues to surge, concerns remain regarding the potential downsides of widespread wagering. Both sports leagues and players’ unions have noted increased online threats directed at athletes, coaches, and officials from disgruntled bettors. The NFL has responded by bolstering its security operations, monitoring digital platforms, and conducting background checks on individuals responsible for threats.

Even with such challenges, the growth trajectory of legal sports betting remains clear. With billions in projected wagers, expanded market access, and robust regulatory oversight, the 2025 NFL season is set to be the largest ever for legal football betting in the United States.