• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 1, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

U.S. Sports Betting Doubled in 2021, Surpassing $52B

  • The legalized U.S. sports betting market doubled in 2021.
  • More than $52.7 billion was wagered throughout the year.
US-Sports-Betting
Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK/Design: Alex Brooks

The legalized U.S. sports betting market doubled in 2021, with more than $52.7 billion wagered throughout the year, according to data intelligence agency Morning Consult.

The spike is the result of legal sports bets launching in 11 states and billions of dollars spent on marketing by gambling operators looking to attract new customers.

  • 12% of adults placed bets once a week, up from 5% in January 2021.
  • 14% of sports bettors said their average bet is more than $100.
  • Oddsmakers only pocketed approximately $4 billion of the total amount wagered last year.

Old and New School

Currently, 30 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting, and more young people are participating — 19% of adults aged 21-34 have bet on sports at least once a week, including legal and offshore sportsbooks.

“Given the proliferation of online sports betting and operators’ focus on digital marketing, it should come as no surprise that younger Americans are the most inclined to place wagers on games,” said Morning Consult.

On the other hand, 23% of U.S. adults aged 35-44 place a sports bet at least weekly, while another 8% wager monthly.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

sports-celebrity-influencers

Sports Tap Celebrity Influencers to Connect With Young Fans

This year has seen sports brands expand their involvement with resources so many other companies are tapping on social media: celebrity influencers.
Peloton bike

Peloton Continues Soaring to New Heights as Revenues Keep Rising

Peloton has had a breakout quarter and a breakout year. It has sold more exercising equipment and grown its subscription business.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Emmanuel Clase

Emmanuel Clase Gambling Leave Not Costing Finlete Investors—Yet

Clase is the company’s only client currently in the majors.
Polymarket
July 21, 2025

Polymarket Set to Become Legal in U.S. After Buying Small Exchange

Derivatives exchange QCX was recently licensed by the CFTC.
Jun 21, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park.
July 28, 2025

Guardians Star Closer Put on Paid Leave Amid Gambling Probe

Emmanuel Clase joins fellow Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz on paid leave.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) reacts after giving up a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
July 18, 2025

MLB Pitcher’s Paid Leave Extended Through August As Betting Probe Continues

Leagues have been dealing with a host of sports betting issues.
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena.
July 16, 2025

Terry Rozier’s Attorney Confirms He’s Still Under Federal Gambling Probe

Rozier finished the season playing for the Heat despite the federal probe.
The Department of Justice logo on a podium at the Louisville, Kentucky office. July 1, 2025
July 16, 2025

Prediction Market Platform Polymarket Says It Escaped Federal Probe

Prediction markets are having a moment.
DraftKings
exclusive
July 14, 2025

DraftKings in Talks to Acquire Prediction Market Railbird Exchange

Sportsbooks and prediction markets are becoming increasingly intertwined.