The estimate, released Thursday, reflects an 8.5% increase from last year’s revised figure of $27.5bn and highlights the growing footprint of regulated wagering nationwide.
The forecast covers betting at traditional sportsbooks across 38 states and the District of Columbia, where sports wagering is legal.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said: “With strong consumer protections and a shared commitment to responsibility, the legal, regulated sports betting industry encourages all footballs 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 AGA’s calculation incorporates futures bets, such as odds to win the Super Bowl, as well as wagers on individual games spanning the pre-season through Super Bowl LX.
Despite the rise in legal betting, the AGA emphasised that the regulated market represents only a fraction of the total money wagered by Americans.
Its latest research shows nearly $674bn is staked annually with offshore and unregulated operators, underscoring the persistent conundrum of illegal gambling activity.
Legal sportsbooks continue to see the NFL as the primary driver of wagering activity. Industry analysts say the concentration of betting interest reflects football’s cultural prominence and the relatively higher stakes attached to each game.
Legalised gambling helps alleviate problem gambling
The growth of legal sports betting has coincided with ongoing discussions about responsible gambling.
A 2024 survey from the National Council on Problem Gambling indicated that risky gambling behaviours have stabilised after climbing between 2018 and 2021, a period marked by the pandemic and the rapid expansion of sports wagering options.
Regulators and advocacy groups continue to monitor trends closely, recognising both the benefits of regulated markets and the potential social costs.
Athletes and officials have faced increased scrutiny as betting activity has expanded. Professional sports leagues, including the NFL, have documented more online threats from disgruntled bettors directed at players, coaches, and referees.
League officials noted that security teams track social media activity, investigate threats, and conduct background checks to protect participants.
This reflects a broader effort to alleviate concerns about the integrity of the game while balancing the financial momentum legal betting has provided to professional sports.
Dingnews.com 02/09/2025