According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), an estimated $35 billion is expected to be wagered at U.S. sportsbooks in the 2024 NFL season. This report is the AGA’s first-ever legal handle estimate for an NFL season.

American Gaming Association says the $35 billion estimate is about a 30% increase from the amount wagered last NFL season

The American Gaming Association says the $35 billion estimate is about a 30% increase from the amount gambled last year. It’s based on data released by a few states on the amount wagered on pro football.

“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,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

“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.”

Recent AGA data shows public support for the industry continues to grow. Americans are increasingly viewing the industry as committed to responsibility:

• 90% of past-year sports bettors say it is important to them that the sportsbook they choose is legal and regulated.
• 88% of sports bettors say the legal industry is committed to responsible gaming and combatting problem gambling.
• 85% of sports bettors agree with the effectiveness of responsible gaming programs, up from 83% last year.
• 75% of American adults support legal, regulated sports betting in their state, up from 73% last year.

Colorado Division of Gaming reported $890.3 million was bet on pro football in the 2023-24 fiscal year

Per ESPN’s David Purdum, the Colorado Division of Gaming reported approximately $890.3 million was bet on “pro American football” in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

On a per-game basis, bookmakers say more bets are placed and more money is wagered on the NFL than on any other league. Gamblers also place the largest wagers on pro football as well. Six- and seven-figure bets are reported almost weekly by U.S. sportsbooks.

“The NFL typically yields the largest bets due to not only the popularity of the league, but also the schedule,” Johnny Avello, sportsbook director for DraftKings, told ESPN in an email.

“Standalone games tend to attract more sizable bets. … The NFL has more isolated games in the regular season than any other league. This creates a lot of excitement and draws plenty of notable bets.”

According to licensed sportsbooks, the pregame point spread remains the most popular betting option for NFL gamblers. The money line and over/under total are preferred betting options as well.

Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont have each launched new legal sports betting markets since last NFL kickoff. Overall, 38 states and Washington D.C. offer some form of legal sports betting entering the NFL season.

The 2024 NFL season kicks off Thursday, with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens. The season-opener will broadcast live on both NBC and Peacock.