Legal US sports betting sites are expected to handle a record $35 billion in NFL wagers this season, according to the American Gaming Association.
Released Tuesday, the AGA report projects legal handle will rise 31% from last year, when Americans wagered $26.7 billion at sports betting sites. That number has risen every year since the AGA began tracking it after the US Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018.
According to the release, the AGA’s estimate is based on data from states that break wagering down by sport, and on those that report separate college and professional figures. The AGA says it applied multi-year averages of the annual share of the national handle from March to February to project the total NFL betting handle for 2024.
NFL betting arrives in three states
Sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, DC, and this will be the first full season of NFL betting in Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont, which each launched during the middle of last season.
“With the excitement of another NFL season upon us, Americans are placing their bets with the confidence that the legal sports betting market is prioritizing consumer protection and responsibility,” AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said in a statement.
“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.”
AGA highlights support for sports betting sites
The AGA also highlighted growing support for the industry, from an August study of 2,000 registered voters over the age of 21:
- 90% of past-year sports bettors prioritize choosing a legal and regulated sportsbook
- 88% believe the industry is advocating responsible gaming and fighting problem gambling
- 85% agree on the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs, an increase from last year
- 75% of American adults support legal, regulated sports betting in their state
- 96% of active sports bettors are aware of at least one responsible gaming resource, with 57% noticing an increase in responsible gaming messaging over the past year.
