AGA estimates $30bn in wagers to go down on the 2025 NFL season

• The new NFL season is going to generate even more sports betting handle
• In 2025, the American Gaming Association expects $30bn to be wagered across sportsbooks in the US
• As regulated and legal gambling expands, AGA is also keeping a close eye on the illegal gambling sector, which is significant

Amid growing concerns that the illegal gambling market in the United States is easily worth billions, and there is little legal recourse to change that, the American Gaming Association has now published its customary preview of the upcoming 2025 NFL season.

NFL betting handle set to grow in 2025

With the NFL season just around the corner, AGA estimates that about $30bn will go down with sportsbooks across the United States in wagers placed. This projection is already an 8.5% increase from last season, when the association expected about $27.6bn placed this way.

"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," AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said.

He reiterated that a legal betting and gambling market provides consumers with a safe, responsible, and transparent experience, and asked gamblers to "have a game plan," a reference to AGA’s own responsible gambling program that encourages players to take their gambling slowly and not overspend.

The official projection provided by AGA also featured general advice on how to ensure that gamblers do not overspend this year. Among the recommendations are popular tenets from Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly program, including:

• Set a Budget and Stick to It
• Keep It Social
• Know the Odds
• Play Legally
• Keep Your Cool

Gambling has become legal for nearly everyone, but illegal gambling persists

With 38 states and Washington, DC, now offering a form of regulated gambling, the majority of Americans can place a wager on the outcome of a sports event. Despite some restrictions and prohibitions in certain jurisdictions, such as prop bets and college gambling, legal betting is widely available and within traveling distance for most Americans.

A recent report by the association cautioned that Americans are still gambling incredible amounts with the unlicensed market – about $674bn annually, the study said. This accounts for nearly one-third of the legal gambling market, AGA noted.

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