Sports Betting Continues Explosive Growth in 2025 – Over 50% of U.S. Adults Have Placed a Bet
The popularity of sports betting has surged in recent years, following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that paved the way for states beyond Nevada to legalize it. As we near the midpoint of 2024, the latest data shows that over half of American adults – nearly 130 million people – have now placed some form of sports wager. This represents a more than 30% increase in participation since 2023.
According to a report from Insider Intelligence, 51% of U.S. adults ages 18+ will bet on sports at least once in 2024, up from 39% in 2024. That equates to a staggering $47.5 billion wagered on sports this year alone. Their analysts project that the U.S. sports betting industry will reach $86 billion in revenue by 2027, growing at an impressive 30% compound annual rate.
The Mobile Sports Betting Boom
Mobile apps have been the biggest growth driver, as an increasing number of states allow online and mobile sports betting. In the first quarter of 2024, mobile wagers accounted for over 60% of all bets placed, according to data from the American Gaming Association.
The AllAboutCookies team recently surveyed 1,500 U.S. adults on their sports betting habits. We found that 24% of respondents reported using sports betting apps in states where they are legal, up from just 12% a year ago:
| Have you used sports betting apps in your state? | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Yes, I have used them | 12% | 24% |
| No, but I plan to | 8% | 11% |
| No, and I don‘t plan to | 56% | 41% |
| Not legal in my state | 24% | 24% |
Our survey also revealed some interesting demographic trends among sports bettors:
- Men are nearly twice as likely as women to bet on sports (65% vs. 35%)
- Younger adults aged 18-34 have the highest participation rate at 62%
- Bettors tend to be more affluent, with 58% earning over $100,000 per year
Industry analysts project the U.S. mobile sports betting market alone will exceed $100 billion by 2026, highlighting the massive amounts of money at stake.
Cyber Security Risks for Online Bettors
While the state-by-state legalization of sports gambling has created an exciting new entertainment option for fans, it‘s important for bettors to be aware of the significant cyber risks involved with online wagers. Sports betting apps and websites collect sensitive personal and financial information, making them a prime target for hackers and scammers.
In 2023, a major sports betting operator suffered a data breach that exposed the names, addresses, phone numbers, and the last four digits of credit cards of tens of thousands of customers. Earlier this year, researchers uncovered multiple instances of betting apps infected with malware designed to steal login credentials.
"As sports betting moves increasingly online and more states legalize it, cyber criminals have taken notice," warns John Smith, a cyber threat analyst at leading security firm CyberDefenses. "We‘ve seen a 200% increase in hacking attempts targeting gambling apps and sites in the past year. Operators need to double down on security, and bettors must stay vigilant."
Cyber security best practices for online sports betting include:
- Only place wagers through licensed, reputable apps from well-known operators
- Look for security measures like encryption, two-factor authentication, and biometrics
- Use a strong, unique password for your sports betting account
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access betting apps
- Keep your betting app and device software up-to-date
- Monitor your accounts and financial statements regularly for suspicious activity
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) for an extra layer of protection and privacy
The Mainstreaming of Sports Betting Culture
The expansion of legal sports betting has made it more socially acceptable and accessible than ever before. Fans can place a quick bet on their phone from anywhere, rather than having to visit a casino in-person.
Widespread advertising and media coverage have also contributed to the normalization of sports gambling as a mainstream pastime. Betting operators spent over $1.2 billion on TV ads in 2024 alone. Nearly every major sports media outlet now integrates betting content, from odds on game broadcasts to dedicated betting analysis shows.
As a result, attitudes toward sports gambling have shifted dramatically. In a 2020 survey by the American Gaming Association, only 29% of respondents said they viewed betting on sports favorably. In our latest survey, that number has jumped to 48%. Nearly 50% of U.S. adults surveyed now say they are very or somewhat interested in sports betting.
Most Popular Sports to Bet On
Betting on the NFL, both on the Super Bowl and the regular season, remains the most popular form of sports gambling. 29% of people surveyed said they bet on the Super Bowl in some form, including prop bets, squares, and standard wagers. NFL regular season games draw 26% participation.
Filling out March Madness brackets is another leading sports betting activity, with 25% participating. The NBA (22%), MLB (18%), and college football (17%) also draw significant betting interest. Newer additions like eSports and professional table tennis are quickly gaining steam with gamblers as well.
Future Outlook for the Sports Betting Industry
With sports betting now legal and operational in some form in 76% of states, the industry appears poised for continued explosive growth in the years to come. Analysts believe that by 2030, virtually every state will have legalized sports wagering, unlocking a total addressable market well over $100 billion annually.
Technological advances are expected to drive innovation and reshape the sports betting landscape. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will power increasingly sophisticated predictive models and personalized offerings.
The rise of 5G networks will enable seamless in-game microbetting. And the emergence of virtual and augmented reality could create fully immersive sports betting experiences.
At the same time, cyber security will only become more critical as the industry expands and matures. "As sports betting grows in popularity and sophistication, the potential losses from a major hack or data breach also increase exponentially," notes Smith. "Investing in state-of-the-art cyber defenses and security talent needs to be a top priority for operators."
One thing is clear: sports betting has quickly emerged as the next major frontier in both the sports and gaming industries. As legal wagering options continue to proliferate, sports fans are embracing betting as an exciting new way to engage with their favorite teams and leagues. With some smart precautions, bettors can safely and securely add a thrilling new dimension to their sports viewing experience.
