• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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

exclusive

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.

NFL and College Football TV Ratings Continue to Surge, Especially for CBS

The network’s singleheader coverage Sunday drew huge viewership.
Jonathan Gannon

Cardinals Fine Coach Jonathan Gannon $100K For Striking Player

Demercado made a costly mistake in the Cardinals’ loss to the Titans. 

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
NYSE

NYSE Owner Pours $2B Into Polymarket at $8B Valuation

Prediction markets keep pushing further into the mainstream.
September 12, 2025

FanDuel, Jaguars Reach $5M Deal Over Employee Theft

A Jaguars employee stole $20 million and gambled much of it with FanDuel.
Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Highmark Stadium.
exclusive
September 25, 2025

Kalshi, Polymarket Sought to Buy Prediction-Market Platform Novig

Novig is available in close to 40 states.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) rushes the ball past Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) during the second half at Soldier Field.
exclusive
September 10, 2025

Americans See Little Difference Between Prediction Markets and Betting

A survey found 85% of respondents believe sports event contracts are gambling.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Adoree' Jackson (8) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 5, 2025

Kalshi’s $27M NFL Opener Runs Into Tribal Challenge

California Tribes want Kalshi forced to implement geofencing.
Eagles
September 4, 2025

FanDuel Paying $80K for Eagles Trains Amid Transit Funding Fight

The gambling company is giving stopgap transit funding in Philadelphia.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; TCU Horned Frogs tight end DJ Rogers (0) catches a touchdown pass as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) defends in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium.
September 3, 2025

Polymarket Moves Closer to Reentering the U.S.

There’s yet more prediction markets momentum as the NFL season kicks off.