Football season is just around the corner, and it's not just the smack talk that's heating up—the betting scene is sizzling too. American football enthusiasts are set to place a staggering $30 billion in legal bets on the NFL this 2025 season, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). That's an 8.5% jump from the previous year, even without any new legalized jurisdictions jumping into the fray. AGA's Joe Maloney highlighted that this surge is due to increased engagement from Americans, rather than an expansion in legal betting areas, he told Fox 5.
As the wagering warzone expands, big players like FanDuel and DraftKings face more competition—BetMGM and Caesars are creeping up. At the same time, Robinhood has thrown its hat into the ring, teaming up with Kalshi to offer prediction markets. Yet, as reported by NBC News, the offshore, unlicensed sportsbooks continue to give the legal competition a run for their money. Authorities are starting to seriously crack down on these platforms, exemplified by the LA city attorney who recently filed an enforcement action against online casino operator Stake.us and several other companies for alleged illegal gambling operations.
Nevertheless, there's a concerted effort to ensure betting remains a safe pastime. The AGA's "Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly" campaign is hammering home the importance of responsible wagering, with AGA President Bill Miller noting, “With strong consumer protections and a shared commitment to responsibility, the legal, regulated sports betting industry encourages all football fans to have a game plan before placing a bet,” as World Casino Directory reported. Support for legalized betting is high among Americans, with AGA polling showing 75% backing legalization in their home states and seeing sports wagering as an acceptable entertainment form.
Conversely, there’s no ignoring the shadow cast by illicit betting—the AGA estimated that unregulated books and offshore operators took about $84 billion in bets across all sports in 2024. These illegal outfits have been targeted for lacking consumer protection and contributions to community coffers. Miller emphasizes through World Casino Directory, “These bad actors operate in the shadows with zero consumer protections, no responsible gaming obligations, and no economic return to the communities they exploit.”
DraftKings lists favorites like the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens for the Super Bowl, while Kalshi reports a significant trade volume on NFL wagers.
