Is it Legal to Bet on the NFL? 2025 U.S. Sports Gambling Landscape

The 2025 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 4, with a showdown between the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and rival Dallas Cowboys. Week 1 even features a special Friday night game between the Chiefs and Chargers, which means four primetime games will span Thursday through Monday. With the NFL being the biggest betting sport in the United States, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement. However, it's crucial to understand the legal landscape surrounding sports betting in the U.S. before placing any wagers.

This article explores where NFL betting is legal, who is allowed to participate, the potential risks and available treatment options for those struggling with gambling addiction.

Which states allow NFL betting?

Since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which granted each state the right to legalize sports betting, wagering has rapidly expanded across the country. As of 2025, 39 states and Washington D.C. have legalized sports betting, with 30 states offering online (mobile) betting.

Only one new state has entered the legal betting landscape since the last NFL regular season, but it hasn't gone live yet. Missouri is also set to launch online sports betting on December 1, 2025.

Unlike college football, there are no regulations against betting on in-state teams at the professional level, nor are there restrictions on prop betting. So, while residents of Illinois may not be able to bet on Northwestern or Illinois football, they are free to bet on the Chicago Bears and QB Caleb Williams.

For a complete list of where you can legally bet on the NFL in 2024, see the following breakdown:

• Online Sports Betting States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri (pending), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.

• In-Person, Retail-Only Sports Betting States: Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin.

• States without Legal Sports Betting: California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska, Hawaii.

INTERACTIVE MAP: SPORTS BETTING IN THE UNITED STATES

Age restrictions for betting on NFL football

The legal age to participate in sports betting varies by state, with most setting the minimum age at 21. There are exceptions where the minimum age is 18, such as in Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Washington D.C. It’s important to note that individual sportsbooks may still impose their own age restrictions, at times setting the bar at 21 regardless of state law.

Who is NOT allowed to bet on the NFL?

While millions of fans can legally place bets on NFL games, certain individuals are prohibited from doing so, regardless of their age or location. The NFL, like other professional sports leagues, has strict rules preventing those directly involved in the sport from betting on games. This includes players, coaches, team staff, referees and league officials. These rules are in place to preserve the integrity of the game and prevent conflicts of interest.

In recent years, the NFL has increased its efforts to ensure compliance with these regulations. For instance, last year the league introduced mandatory in-person training for all players, focusing on the dangers of gambling and the consequences of violating the league’s betting policies. This move came after several high-profile cases where players were suspended for betting, highlighting the importance of these rules.

Moreover, individuals with insider knowledge, such as team doctors, scouts and analysts, are also barred from betting on NFL games. This is to prevent any unfair advantage that could arise from access to non-public information, further safeguarding the fairness of the sport.

Potential dangers of betting on the 2025 NFL season

Betting on the NFL can be exciting, but it comes with significant risks, particularly with the ease of access to betting platforms via mobile apps and websites. Even knowledgeable fans can fall into the trap of believing their expertise will lead to consistent wins, which is not always the case.

One of the primary risks is getting caught up in the excitement of the NFL season. With so many games, including high-profile matchups in primetime slots, bettors might feel compelled to place wagers on every game they watch. However, this can lead to irresponsible betting behavior, especially if they start chasing losses – betting more money to recover previous losses. This approach is particularly dangerous and is one of the signs of a developing gambling problem.

It's important to consider new rules put in place by the NFL, research impact players added to different teams via drafts, free agency or trades, and note key coaching hires and personnel changes. While Sunday lounging can make for enjoyable all-day football watching, those with easy access to a sportsbook app may feel tempted to make a hefty deposit and bet throughout the day. It's crucial to know yourself, avoid overestimating your knowledge and be conscious about setting limits on your betting funds and certain bet types, such as parlays and futures. 

For more on the risks and how to bet responsibly, check out this comprehensive 2025 NFL Betting Guide.

Bettor Beware: Don't use bookies or offshore sportsbooks

Even if NFL betting is not legal in your state, you should never resort to unregulated methods like bookies or offshore sportsbooks. They lack critical consumer protections, which puts bettors at risk of fraud, identity theft and lack of payment. Plus, betting with bookies and offshores is against the law.

Treatment options for Gambling Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, it’s essential to seek help. Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can have devastating effects on a person’s financial stability, mental health and relationships. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to support recovery.

At Birches Health, patients benefit from specialized services. The Birches approach includes individualized care plans, telehealth services and $0 out-of-pocket costs for many patients.

Take the first step toward recovery with Birches Health today:

• Book a consultation

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

The Birches team is here to help you navigate the challenges of gambling addiction and support your journey to recovery.