Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
- The American Gaming Association is predicting more than $35 billion bet during the NFL season at legal sportsbooks
- Last year saw $26.7 billion bet during the season
- Maine, North Carolina, Vermont join the legalized sports betting market since last season
The NFL kicks off this week and the American Gaming Association is predicting it will be the most bet-on season since sports betting legalized nationwide in 2018.
The American Gaming Association, in its first official projection for the NFL season, is estimating that American adults will bet more than $35 billion at legal sportsbooks during the 2024 NFL season.
If the season reaches AGA estimates, it will eclipse last year’s NFL season total of $26.7 billion bet.
Massive Season Incoming
The AGA’s NFL 2024 wagering estimates are based on date from states that break out the handle and revenue totals between college and professional football, according to the organization.
Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont will add to the juggernaut of NFL sports betting, as the three states will experience their first full season of NFL sports betting.
“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. As the season unfolds, the AGA and our members remain dedicated to working with league, 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 President and CEO Bill Miller said in the notice.
The AGA noted in recently released data that 90% of past-year sports bettors say it’s important to them that the sportsbook they choose is legal and regulated, while 88% of sports bettors also believe the legal industry is committed to responsible gaming and combatting problem gaming.
Additionally, nearly all past-year sports bettors, 96% in total, are familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource.
Will ESPN BET Take Advantage?
The high AGA estimates may be good news for ESPN BET, who are desperately in need of momentum this football season. The PENN Entertainment owned sports betting operator is entering into its first-full NFL season and needs a strong next few months to gain ground on market leaders DraftKings and FanDuel.
It can start by launching ESPN BET in New York by the start of the NFL season. PENN Entertainment CEO Jay Snowden previously said ESPN BET would launch in late August, prior to the start of the college football season, but that has not been the case.
If ESPN BET wants to kick things off right, launching in the largest sports betting market in the country will be the first first step.
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has recently released a forecast predicting that the upcoming NFL season will see a record-breaking amount of sports betting activity. This announcement comes as no surprise, as the popularity of sports betting in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years.
According to the AGA, the legalization of sports betting in several states has played a significant role in driving this trend. With more and more states legalizing sports betting, fans are now able to place bets on their favorite teams and players with ease. This increased accessibility has led to a surge in sports betting activity across the country.
In addition to the legalization of sports betting, the AGA also points to the growing popularity of online sports betting platforms as a key factor in the projected increase in betting activity. With the rise of online sportsbooks, fans can now place bets from the comfort of their own homes or on the go using their mobile devices. This convenience has made sports betting more accessible than ever before, leading to a rise in overall betting activity.
The AGA’s forecast also highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports betting. With many professional sports leagues forced to suspend their seasons or play games without fans in attendance, sports bettors have been eagerly awaiting the return of major sporting events. The upcoming NFL season is expected to draw a significant amount of betting activity as fans look to make up for lost time and get back into the excitement of sports betting.
Overall, the AGA’s forecast paints a positive picture for the future of sports betting in the United States. With the legalization of sports betting in more states, the rise of online sports betting platforms, and the return of major sporting events, the upcoming NFL season is poised to be a record-breaking one for sports betting activity. Fans can look forward to placing bets on their favorite teams and players as they gear up for an exciting season of football.
