Michigan narrowly topped New York in active sportsbook accounts this past NFL Sunday, leading a nationwide total of 5.7 million accounts across 28 legal US sports betting markets, according to data from GeoComply.
The geolocation technology provider recorded 589,449 active Michigan betting accounts on Nov. 1, just 0.3% more than New York‘s 587,752. Pennsylvania ranked third with 570,386. Together, the three states accounted for roughly 31% of the nationwide total.
GeoComply released the figures Monday as part of its weekly NFL betting series, presenting the data on an election-themed US map ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections.
NFL betting spans markets large and small
Beyond the largest markets, New Jersey and North Carolina each recorded more than 250,000 active accounts. Ohio, Illinois and Indiana were among the states recording between 101,000 and 250,000 active accounts.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico logged 6,459, while Wyoming and Vermont each finished below 9,000.
Active account figures measure sportsbook activity rather than the amount wagered, which is measured by handle. As individuals can hold accounts with multiple operators, the totals do not necessarily represent unique bettors.
The figures come as prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket expand their sports trading offerings during the NFL season, competing for customers with traditional sportsbooks.
Michigan leads NFL activity
Michigan’s lead over New York is notable given its smaller population and New York’s position as the nation’s largest legal sports betting market by handle.
Michigan also ranked first in active sportsbook accounts relative to its population age 21 and older:
- Michigan: 8.26%
- Washington, DC: 7.36%
- West Virginia: 7.16%
- New Jersey: 7%
- Pennsylvania: 5.97%
Separate data showed 57.4% of the 6.8 million sportsbook accounts active on the NFL season’s opening Sunday were also active on Oct. 25, seven weeks later. Separately about 33.7% of opening day accounts remained active every Sunday through Oct. 25.
