The American Gaming Association (AGA) has projected that legal wagering on the National Football League will reach a record high of $30 billion during the 2025 season, underscoring the continued growth of regulated sports betting in the United States.
NFL Betting Surge
Sportsbooks across regulated states are preparing for what could be the busiest football season on record. According to AGA estimates, NFL betting will account for the largest single portion of total US sports wagering in 2025, boosted by wider legalization, improved mobile access, and growing consumer confidence in regulated operators.
The forecast signals a dramatic rise from previous years, when legal NFL handle was a fraction of this figure due to limited market coverage. Today, more than 40 states and jurisdictions offer legal sports betting, providing millions of fans the chance to place bets safely through licensed platforms rather than offshore or illegal markets.
Industry Impact
The $30 billion handle, if realized, will reinforce the NFL’s role as the most bet-on league in the country and could lead to significant increases in tax revenue for participating states. Operators are also expected to intensify competition around player acquisition during the season, with major sportsbook brands launching fresh campaigns, promotions, and live-betting features tailored to football fans.
For the NFL, the trend continues a broader embrace of regulated betting. League partnerships with sportsbooks, along with data distribution deals, have already become central to the fan engagement strategy. The AGA’s projection suggests this momentum is unlikely to slow, particularly as more fans choose regulated channels over unlicensed sites.
The association also emphasized that consumer protections and responsible gambling measures remain critical to sustaining this growth. Regulators and operators alike are under pressure to ensure that rapid expansion does not come at the expense of player safety.
As the 2025 season approaches, all signs point to record activity at sportsbooks, with legal NFL betting set to cement its place as a cornerstone of the US sports betting economy.
