NFL Playoffs: Higher Stakes Shouldn't Mean Bigger Bets

The 2025 NFL Playoffs are upon us, with the Kansas City Chiefs eyeing their third straight Super Bowl victory, as the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills look to finally unseat them in the AFC. The NFC’s top-seeded Lions look to reach the Super Bowl for the first time ever. Wild Card Weekend kicks off January 11-13, with the excitement building to the February 9 Super Bowl LIX showdown in New Orleans.

For many, the NFL playoffs are not just about watching great games – they’re also about placing bets to add a little extra excitement. But as stakes rise, remember to take a step back and approach betting responsibly. The playoffs may bring high stakes and can’t-miss matchups, but that doesn’t mean your wager amounts should increase.

Approaching bets for the 2025 NFL Playoffs responsibly

Betting during the NFL playoffs is meant to be fun, but it’s important to do so wisely. Unlike streaming a movie or attending a game in person, gambling involves an inherent financial risk, and the odds are stacked strongly against you winning over time. During the heart of winter, some individuals may be spending more time cooped up and feel motivated to bet more, especially where there are high-stakes NFL playoff games on TV. Here are some tips to ensure you gamble responsibly in January and early February:

• Decide on a fixed amount (budget) for the entire playoffs that you’re comfortable losing completely, and don’t exceed it – no matter how the games unfold.

• Feeling stressed, upset or overly excited about a playoff game can lead to impulsive decisions, so be conscientious of potentially feeling these ways, and avoid placing bets during those emotional states.

• Don’t let playoff football consume you. Step away periodically to grab some fresh air, have a snack or refocus your mindset. Balance is critical. 

• Don’t chase losses! Losing is part of gambling. Trying to win back lost money often leads to deeper losses. This is the most common at-risk behavior that Birches Health clinicians see in patients with gambling addiction.

• Betting should be viewed as a form of paid entertainment, not a way to make a profit or solve financial problems.

By keeping these principles in mind, you can enjoy the playoffs without putting your finances – or well-being – at risk.

If you bet, only use regulated, legal sportsbooks 

If you bet during the NFL playoffs, always use licensed and regulated sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks and unregulated bookies may seem tempting – especially if you’re in the state without legal sports betting – but they come with significant risks.

Legal, regulated sportsbooks are monitored by state authorities to ensure fairness, transparency and security. They are also financially stable and required to honor your winnings. Licensed operators ensure games are fair, and your personal data is safeguarded. Lastly, many legal sportsbooks provide Responsible Gaming tools and specialized support for those struggling with gambling issues. Before placing a bet, confirm that the sportsbook is licensed in your state. This not only protects you but ensures you’re betting responsibly.

Which states offer legal sports betting in the United States?

As of early 2025, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legal sports betting. Here's a breakdown of where you can place your bets:

• States with Online Sports Betting:

  • Arizona

  • Arkansas

  • Colorado

  • Connecticut

  • Delaware

  • Florida

  • Illinois

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Missouri (pending)

  • New Hampshire

  • New York

  • New Jersey

  • Nevada

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • Tennessee

  • Vermont

  • Virginia

  • Washington D.C.

  • West Virginia

  • Wyoming

• States with Retail, In-Person Sports Betting:

  • Mississippi

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • New Mexico

  • North Dakota

  • South Dakota

  • Washington

  • Wisconsin

• States Without Legalized Sports Betting:

  • Alabama

  • Alaska

  • California

  • Georgia

  • Hawaii

  • Idaho

  • Minnesota

  • Oklahoma

  • South Carolina

  • Texas

  • Utah

Keep in mind that regulations can vary, even within states. For example, Mississippi allows mobile betting but only on-site at licensed casinos, while Montana has an app restricted to specific locations. Always check local regulations to ensure compliance.

Potential signs of a gambling problem

For some, gambling can go from a casual pastime to a harmful habit. Knowing the warning signs of a gambling problem can help protect yourself or someone you care about:

• Consistently exceeding your budget is a major red flag.

• Inability to stop betting despite attempts and desire to do so

• Missing work, social events or family obligations due to gambling indicates a problem.

• Asking for loans or using funds meant for essentials like rent or groceries to gamble.

• Lying about your losses or time spent gambling suggests a deeper issue.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these behaviors, it’s important to seek help.

Where to turn if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem

The NFL playoffs are a time of excitement, camaraderie and memorable moments. Betting responsibly ensures that this thrilling season remains enjoyable and free of regret. If you’re betting, keep it fun, stay within your limits, and choose regulated sportsbooks for safety. And if gambling begins to feel overwhelming, remember: Birches Health is here to help.

Birches understands the challenges of gambling addiction. With over 90% of Birches’ patients reporting an improved quality of life after treatment, Birches is committed to helping individuals break free from harmful habits.

Connect with Birches Health today:

• Book an Appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838 

• Email help@bircheshealth.com