Americans expected to place record $1.39bn in bets for Super Bowl LIX
The American Gaming Association projects a historic $1.39 billion in legal bets for Super Bowl LIX, reflecting rapid growth since the 2018 Supreme Court decision. Experts warn the surge may fuel gambling addiction, with millions already at risk.
For the first time in its history, the Super Bowl is expected to generate a record $1.39 billion in legal wagers, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). The figure, which represents the total amount Americans are likely to bet on Super Bowl LIX, underscores the explosive growth of sports betting in the United States since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018.
How the market got here
Before the 2018 ruling, sports betting was largely confined to Nevada and a handful of tribal venues. The decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act opened the door for individual states to legalize and regulate the activity. As of 2024, 38 states have enacted some form of sports‑betting legislation, creating a patchwork of regulated markets that collectively generate billions of dollars in revenue each year.
The AGA, the industry’s lobbying group, reported that gambling‑related revenue reached $99.4 billion in 2022. That number includes casino gambling, online poker, and the rapidly expanding sports‑betting segment. The Super Bowl, which draws more than 120 million viewers, has become the marquee event for sportsbooks, with promotional spend and advertising reaching historic highs.
Record legal handle for Super Bowl LIX
Unlike previous years, the AGA’s estimate for this year’s Super Bowl is based solely on legal betting channels. Earlier projections mixed data from regulated sportsbooks with informal or illegal wagers placed among friends. In 2023, research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming estimated $1.25 billion in legal bets; the new figure marks a 10 percent increase.
Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA, said the milestone reflects the “widespread appeal” of the event. "No single event unites sports fans like the Super Bowl, and that excitement extends to sports betting," he said in a statement. The surge is driven by several factors: mobile betting apps that allow instant wagers, aggressive marketing campaigns from operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, and a cultural shift that treats betting as a form of entertainment comparable to watching the game itself.
The dark side: rising gambling addiction
While the financial windfall is celebrated by operators, public‑health officials warn that the same visibility can amplify problem gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 2.5 million U.S. adults meet criteria for severe gambling disorder, with another 5‑8 million experiencing mild to moderate issues. These numbers have risen in tandem with the expansion of legal betting.
Problem‑gambling hotlines in several states have reported spikes in call volume after the legalization of sports betting. Experts say high‑stakes events like the Super Bowl are especially risky because they attract bettors who have been wagering all season and may view the game as a make‑or‑break moment.
Rose Blocinski, executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Problem Gambling, told local station WJFW that “for a person who has a gambling problem … they’ve been betting on games all season long, and they may have lost a lot of money, and the Super Bowl becomes kind of the ‘this is it, I’m going to make it or I’m going to break it’.”
Dr. Tim Fong, a clinical professor of psychology at UCLA and co‑director of the university’s Gambling Studies Program, warned that the weekend could push early‑stage problem gamblers into severe distress. “By the time you see guys like me, things are really, really severe,” he said. “What I’m worried about after this weekend: someone takes a bad loss, it hurts them financially. What are they going to do next weekend, after the Super Bowl?”
Fong emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting that “we can reduce the number of problems if we did more at an earlier stage.” He also highlighted the role of advertising: BetMGM’s star‑studded Super Bowl commercial, along with similar campaigns from other operators, normalizes betting for a broad audience, including young viewers.
What regulators and operators are doing
State gaming commissions are increasingly required to fund responsible‑gaming programs as part of licensing agreements. For example, Nevada mandates that a percentage of sportsbook revenue be allocated to problem‑gambling treatment and education. Some states, such as New Jersey, have launched public‑awareness campaigns that appear alongside betting ads, urging consumers to set limits and seek help if needed.
Industry groups argue that the majority of bettors gamble responsibly. AGA spokesperson Tim McCarthy noted that “for the vast majority of people that bet on sports, it’s fun, it’s entertainment, it’s not damaging in any way.” Nonetheless, the organization acknowledges the “1‑2 %” of participants who develop an addiction and stresses the need for continued research and support services.
Looking ahead
Super Bowl LIX will not only set a betting record but also serve as a barometer for how the U.S. balances revenue growth with public‑health safeguards. As more states consider legalizing sports betting, the conversation around responsible‑gaming legislation is likely to intensify. Analysts predict that total legal sports‑betting handle could surpass $10 billion annually within the next five years, provided that regulatory frameworks keep pace with market expansion.
For now, the $1.39 billion figure stands as both a triumph for the industry and a warning sign for policymakers. The coming weeks will reveal whether the surge in legal wagers translates into lasting economic benefits or whether the “dark side” of gambling will demand stronger intervention.
Why it matters
The record betting handle highlights the rapid commercialization of U.S. sports betting while exposing growing concerns about gambling addiction that could affect millions of Americans.
Key points
- The AGA projects a record $1.39 bn in legal bets for Super Bowl LIX, the highest ever.
- 38 states have legalized sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
- An estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults have severe gambling problems, with millions more at risk.
- Problem‑gambling hotlines have seen increased calls after states legalize betting.
- Industry ads, such as BetMGM’s Super Bowl commercial, normalize betting for a broad audience.
Frequently asked questions
How much money is expected to be wagered on Super Bowl LIX?
The American Gaming Association estimates that legal sportsbooks will handle about $1.39 billion in wagers for the game.
What caused the rapid growth of sports betting in the U.S.?
In 2018 the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to legalize and regulate the activity, which 38 states have done so far.
How many Americans are affected by gambling addiction?
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates 2.5 million adults meet criteria for severe gambling disorder, with an additional 5‑8 million experiencing milder problems.
What are states doing to address problem gambling?
Many states require a portion of sportsbook revenue to fund responsible‑gaming programs, and some run public‑awareness campaigns urging bettors to set limits and seek help.
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