According to AGA, an astounding $30 billion is expected to be wagered on the 2025 NFL season.

As concerns mount over the billion-dollar illegal gambling market in the United States, with limited legal strategies to address it, the American Gaming Association has released its usual preview of the eagerly anticipated 2025 NFL season.

As the NFL season looms on the horizon, the AGA is buzzing with bold predictions, estimating that a staggering $30 billion will flow through sportsbooks across America. This figure represents a significant 8.5% leap from last year’s projection of $27.6 billion. This year, fans are discovering a myriad of exciting ways to immerse themselves responsibly in the game they cherish. Legal sports betting not only amplifies the thrill of the game but also enhances the camaraderie and traditions that make the NFL so beloved. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller passionately explains that a regulated betting landscape offers fans a secure, responsible, and clear-cut experience. He urges gamblers to have a game plan — an encouragement to embrace the AGA’s initiative promoting mindful and measured gambling habits. Included in the AGA’s forecast is sound advice for ensuring a responsible gaming experience this season. The guidelines echo the core principles of the Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly program, reminding everyone to play smart.

With 38 states and Washington, DC, now offering some form of regulated gambling, most Americans have the opportunity to wager on their favorite sports. While there are still certain restrictions, such as prohibitions on prop bets and college gambling in some areas, legal betting is widely accessible and often just a short drive away for many. However, a recent report from the association highlights a startling reality: Americans are still gambling staggering amounts with unlicensed markets—approximately $674 billion each year. This figure roughly equals nearly a third of the legal gambling industry, according to the American Gaming Association.