Percent of Money on NFL Games: A Comprehensive Overview

When it comes to sports betting, the NFL (National Football League) is often at the forefront of discussions. With millions of fans placing bets on games each week, understanding the percentage of money on NFL games can provide valuable insights into the betting landscape. In this article, we will delve into various aspects of this topic, including the history of NFL betting, the most popular betting markets, and the factors that influence the distribution of bets.

History of NFL Betting

The history of NFL betting dates back to the early 20th century. Initially, betting on NFL games was done through illegal bookmakers, as it was not yet legal in many states. However, as the popularity of the sport grew, so did the demand for legal betting options. In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a federal law that had prohibited states from legalizing sports betting, leading to a surge in legal sportsbooks across the country.

Most Popular Betting Markets

When it comes to betting on NFL games, there are several popular markets that attract the majority of the money. The most common markets include:

• Point Spread Betting: This is the most popular form of betting in the NFL. It involves betting on whether a team will win or lose by a certain number of points.

• Moneyline Betting: This is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game outright, without considering the point spread.

• Total Betting: Also known as over/under betting, this involves betting on whether the total score of the game will be over or under a certain number set by the sportsbook.

• Prop Betting: This involves betting on various outcomes within a game, such as the number of touchdowns, interceptions, or sacks.

Percentage of Money on NFL Games

According to a report by the American Gaming Association, in 2020, the total handle on NFL games reached $8.5 billion. This figure includes both legal and illegal betting markets. To understand the distribution of bets, let’s take a look at the following table:

Betting Market	Percentage of Total Handle
Point Spread Betting	60%
Moneyline Betting	20%
Total Betting	10%
Prop Betting	10%

As you can see from the table, point spread betting is by far the most popular market, accounting for 60% of the total handle. This is likely due to the fact that it offers a more balanced betting experience, as it requires bettors to predict the margin of victory or defeat.

Factors Influencing the Distribution of Bets

Several factors can influence the distribution of bets on NFL games. Some of the most significant factors include:

• Public Betting Trends: The majority of bettors tend to follow public betting trends, which can lead to a significant amount of money being placed on one side of a game.

• Expert Picks: Many bettors rely on expert picks and analysis to make their betting decisions, which can also influence the distribution of bets.

• Team News: Injuries, player suspensions, and other team-related news can have a significant impact on the betting landscape.

• Market Conditions: Economic factors, such as the availability of legal sportsbooks and the overall interest in sports betting, can also influence the distribution of bets.

Conclusion

Understanding the percentage of money on NFL games can provide valuable insights into the betting landscape. With the rise of legal sports betting, the NFL has become a major target for bettors, with point spread betting being the most popular market. By considering various factors, such as public betting trends and team news, bettors can make more informed decisions and potentially increase their chances