Problem gambling is on the rise in the U.S., and it’s especially visible during the start of each NFL season.
According to several surveys, around 60% of NFL bettors admit to wagering more than they could afford or wanted to lose. Let’s look at the last three surveys from gambling industry researcher Optimove.
- 2025: 63%
- 2024: 66%
- 2023: 45%
The 2024 survey was based on a sample of 356 U.S. citizens who bet on NFL preseason football, fielded in August 2024. Respondents were ages 21-plus, and household incomes were $75,000-plus.
The 2025 survey was 425 U.S. NFL bettors, age 21+, with a household income of $75,000+, and fielded in August 2025.
Between the Lines
The NFL preseason could attract more people with problems, as the games are usually more unpredictable and thus less conducive to making relatively informed bets.
Still, regardless of preseason or regular season, betting isn’t a skill game.
Additionally, the survey didn’t account for underage sports bettors, who usually have access to an online sports betting account through family or friends. Underage sports bettors are generally more susceptible to problem gambling issues, but gambling addiction can take years to develop.
Let’s look at some other findings from the 2024 survey:
- 71% of bettors place bets on one or more games per week.
- 43% of bettors wager several times per week
- 79% bet during the NFL regular season
- 85% of respondents make live bets during games
Generally, half of online bettors experience a core problem gambling sign. Based on NFL-specific surveys, the rate of problem online gambling on the NFL could be higher.
The NFL Super Bowl is the peak of the gambling calendar. It poses unique risks due to its betting commercials and enormous options for props like the coin toss.
Is the NFL More Addictive?
There is evidence that betting on the NFL is more addictive than other sports. According to numerous surveys, NFL bettors tend to experience a core sign of a potential problem more often than sports bettors as a whole.
State-sanctioned sports betting apps advertise heavily and push live betting, parlays, and player props. These bet types could lead to more compulsive betting than traditional pregame wagers, like a moneyline.
Widespread print, TV, radio, and social media advertising help fuel NFL gambling, with celebrities such as LeBron James and Kevin Hart endorsing NFL gambling.
The NFL season is when many sports fans realize they need to quit gambling.
Image by Keith Johnston from Pixabay
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