The upcoming NFL season is set to break new records for legal wagering in the United States. According to fresh estimates from the American Gaming Association (AGA), Americans are projected to place more than $30 billion in legal bets throughout the 2025 NFL season. This marks an 8.5% increase compared to last year’s adjusted handle of $27.6 billion.
Legal Sports Betting Boosts Fan Engagement
Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018, regulated sports betting has spread rapidly across the U.S. Today, 38 states and Washington, D.C. offer legal betting options, giving fans more access than ever before.
Surveys show that public sentiment remains strongly positive, with 75% of Americans supporting legal wagering in their state and 90% viewing betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller emphasized the role of legal sportsbooks in enhancing the fan experience:
“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.”
Responsible Gaming at the Forefront
While betting continues to grow, the AGA is also highlighting the importance of responsible gambling through its Have A Game Plan®. Bet Responsibly™ initiative.
This national campaign promotes safe betting behavior with five clear principles:
- Set a Budget: Only wager what you can afford to lose.
- Keep It Social: Treat betting as entertainment to enjoy with others.
- Know the Odds: Understand the games and probabilities.
- Play Legally: Stick to licensed and regulated operators.
- Keep Your Cool: Harassment of athletes is unacceptable; sportsmanship matters.
These reminders serve as a safeguard to ensure betting remains a positive and enjoyable part of the NFL season.
Broader Impact of Legal Sports Betting
Legal betting is no longer just a niche pastime. It has become a mainstream part of sports culture, integrated into media, sponsorships, and fan rituals. According to the AGA, the industry as a whole contributes more than $329 billion to the U.S. economy and supports 1.8 million jobs across casinos, suppliers, sportsbooks, and tech providers.
The 2025 NFL wagering estimates include preseason games, futures bets, playoffs, and Super Bowl LX in February 2026, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments to date.
Fact Box: NFL Betting in 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Projected Handle | $30 billion |
| Increase from 2024 | +8.5% |
| States with Legal Betting | 38 + Washington, D.C. |
| Public Opinion | 75% support legal betting in their state |
| Entertainment Acceptance | 90% view betting as an acceptable pastime |
| Economic Impact | $329 billion industry, 1.8 million jobs |
Conclusion
With $30 billion in wagers expected, the 2025 NFL season underscores how far the U.S. Gambling and sports betting industry has come in just seven years of legalization. While betting is now deeply woven into the fan experience, industry leaders stress that the future of sports wagering must remain tied to responsibility, transparency, and consumer protection.
As Bill Miller notes, legal betting is not just about money – it’s about creating a safe, fun, and sustainable way for fans to engage with America’s most popular sport.
