AGA expects Americans to wager $35bn on the NFL in 2024-2025

Americans are headed for the bookies this football season with the gambling industry’s most prominent trade body estimating that a total of $35bn will be wagered on the National Football League (NFL).

The NFL to bring in even stronger betting revenue, AGA predicts

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released a new survey on Wednesday, outlining some of the main trends to observe regarding the upcoming football season and what can be expected.

For starters, the $35bn estimated handle driven by the NFL will surpass the 2023 results, which put the total volume bets in dollar value at $26.7bn.

There have been numerous developments ever since last season, too, with both North Carolina and Vermont launching their own regulated markets, adding to the number of Americans who can legally bet on the event.

Last year, one-in-four American adults, or 75.3m placed a bet on at least one game. As the new season kicks off today with the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, public sentiment towards sports betting has improved significantly, with most consumers finding the industry’s efforts to promote a safe and responsible gambling genuine.

Commenting on the most recent data, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller was welcoming of the new opportunity and the implications of the most recent market survey.

"With the excitement of another NFL season upon us, Americans are placing their bets with the confidence that the legal betting market is prioritizing consumer protection and responsibility. As the season unfolds, the AGA and our members remain dedicated to working with leagues, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure fans have the knowledge and tools to keep sports betting a safe, fun part of the gameday experience."

Sports bettors confident that gambling industry does fairly by them

Other interesting consumer trends now have to do with the legality of a sportsbook. For example, 90% of sports fans who bet on last year’s NFL want to make sure that the sportsbook they use now is legal and regulated. Another 88% of sports bettors say that the industry is committed to responsible gambling and combating problem gambling.

Other interesting metrics from the most recent survey indicate that 85% of sports bettors find the industry’s efforts in promoting responsible gambling programs effective, plus 75% of all American adults are in favor of legal and regulated sports betting in their state, meaning that the country should eventually launch sports betting in near every state bar a few pockets of entrenched opposition.

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