Sportsbooks are preparing for a record NFL betting season, with projections indicating that U.S. bettors will wager approximately $30 billion on the league this year. This marks an 8.5% increase from the previous season’s estimated $27.6 billion, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). The surge in betting activity is attributed to the growing acceptance and legalization of sports betting across the United States, with 38 states and the District of Columbia now offering regulated sports betting options.
DraftKings and BetMGM are among the operators experiencing significant growth. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins reported that betting activity has been surging ahead of the NFL season opener, with numbers continuing to rise into the weekend. Similarly, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt noted that the sportsbook’s preseason volume was up 30%, with no reduction in average bet size or active sessions per week. Both companies have posted stronger-than-expected financial results this year, with DraftKings beating Wall Street forecasts in its second quarter and BetMGM raising earnings guidance twice. Executives attribute this growth to falling customer acquisition costs as more states legalize sports wagering.
The AGA’s estimate includes money wagered on futures, individual games from the preseason through the Super Bowl, and other betting activities at traditional sportsbooks in the U.S. The record NFL betting increase is also expected to benefit other sports betting companies, including FanDuel, Caesars Entertainment, and new entrants like Fanatics and ESPN Bet. The NFL’s regular season, which begins after Labor Day in September, provides sportsbooks with the biggest opportunity of the year.
The growing popularity of sports betting is driven by technological advancements, such as mobile betting apps and real-time wagering opportunities. Additionally, the increased use of artificial intelligence and data analytics has enhanced the accuracy of odds and personalized betting experiences, further attracting new clients and retaining existing ones.
As the NFL season progresses, sportsbooks are expected to continue experiencing high volumes of betting activity, with major events like the Super Bowl driving significant betting action. The record NFL betting figures highlight the expanding role of sports betting in American football culture and its impact on the sports industry.
