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.

Gambling