Understanding the Betting Landscape

When it comes to the National Football League (NFL), betting on games has become an integral part of the fan experience. The sheer volume of money bet on NFL games is staggering, and it’s important to understand the various aspects that contribute to this figure.

The Numbers Game

According to the American Gaming Association, the total amount of money bet on NFL games in the United States reached an estimated $150 billion in 2020. This figure includes both legal and illegal betting markets, and it’s a testament to the popularity of the sport.

Legal vs. Illegal Betting

While legal sports betting has been growing rapidly in the United States, illegal betting remains a significant part of the picture. In states where sports betting is legal, it’s estimated that around $60 billion is bet on NFL games each year. In states where it’s illegal, the figure is likely much higher, as bettors turn to offshore and underground markets.

The Role of Online Betting

The rise of online betting has been a major driver in the growth of NFL betting. With the convenience of placing bets from anywhere at any time, it’s no surprise that online betting accounts for a significant portion of the total amount bet on NFL games. In fact, it’s estimated that online betting accounts for around 30% of the total amount bet on NFL games each year.

The Impact of Mobile Betting

Mobile betting has also played a significant role in the growth of NFL betting. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, bettors can now place bets on the go. This has made it easier than ever for fans to engage in betting, and it’s estimated that mobile betting accounts for around 20% of the total amount bet on NFL games each year.

The Most Popular Betting Markets

When it comes to betting on NFL games, there are several popular markets that attract the most money. The most common market is the point spread, where bettors predict which team will win by a certain number of points. This market accounts for around 60% of the total amount bet on NFL games each year. Other popular markets include moneyline bets, over/under bets, and prop bets.

The Role of Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks are the entities that accept bets on NFL games. They set the odds and lines for each game, and they also handle the payouts for winning bets. The largest sportsbooks in the United States include DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. These companies have a significant impact on the total amount of money bet on NFL games each year.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on NFL betting. With games being played without fans in attendance, the total amount of money bet on NFL games decreased. However, as games returned to normal, the total amount of money bet on NFL games has begun to increase again.

The Future of NFL Betting

The future of NFL betting looks bright. With more states legalizing sports betting and the continued growth of online and mobile betting, it’s likely that the total amount of money bet on NFL games will continue to grow. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how the total amount of money bet on NFL games changes over time.

Table: NFL Betting Market Breakdown

Betting Market	Percentage of Total Amount Bet
Point Spread	60%
Moneyline	20%
Over/Under	10%
Prop Bets	10%