Ready to add some extra excitement to the NFL season? Betting on football can make every touchdown, field goal, and interception feel even more thrilling. And guess what? In 2025, it’s easier and more legal than ever to bet on NFL games—right from your home, smartphone, or at a local sportsbook. But before you throw down that first bet on your favorite team, you need to know the rules in your state.
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. This guide will make understanding how to legally bet on the NFL simple, fun, and safe.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Your State?
After the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, each state was allowed to make its own decision about sports betting. That means the rules can vary wildly depending on where you live.
As of 2025, many states now offer legal sports betting. But the way you can place a bet—whether online, on your phone, or in person—may be different from state to state.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Legal online and retail betting: You can bet both on your phone and in-person at sportsbooks.
- Legal retail only: You have to visit a casino or betting location to place your wager.
- No legal betting yet: Your state hasn’t approved any form of legal sports betting.
Pro Tip: Check your state’s gaming board or lottery website for the most up-to-date info.
How to Start Betting on the NFL
Once you know it’s legal in your state, it’s super easy to get started. Follow these steps:
1. Choose a Sportsbook
This is the platform or app where you’ll place your bets. Look for one that’s licensed in your state. Some popular legal sportsbooks include:
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- PointsBet
Watch out! Never sign up with an offshore or unlicensed site. If it looks too good to be true… it probably is.
2. Create an Account
Signing up only takes a few minutes. This usually includes:
- Entering your name and email
- Providing your age (you must be 21+ in most states)
- Verifying your location (apps use GPS)
3. Deposit Money
Once your account is verified, you’ll need to deposit some money. Most sportsbooks accept:
- Credit or debit cards
- Bank transfers
- PayPal or other e-wallets
Look for sign-up bonuses! Many sportsbooks offer free bets or deposit matches if you’re new.
4. Place Your First Bet
Now the fun begins. Navigate to the NFL section, pick a game, and choose your bet. More on bet types in a moment!
Types of NFL Bets You Can Make
If you’re new to betting, it might seem complicated. But don’t worry. Most NFL bets fall into just a few simple categories.
- Moneyline: Just pick who will win the game. Straightforward and great for beginners.
- Point Spread: One team is favored by a certain number of points. You pick whether the favorite wins by that amount or the underdog keeps it close.
- Over/Under: Bet whether the total points scored will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook.
- Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one. Higher risk, bigger reward!
- Props: Fun side bets like “Who will score the first touchdown?” or “How many yards will a player get?”
- Futures: Long-term bets like “Who will win the Super Bowl?” or “Will the Chiefs make the playoffs?”
You can keep it simple. Or you can go deep and build complex bet slips. Either way, only bet what you can afford to lose!
Betting In-Person vs. Online
Online Betting: Fast, easy, and available 24/7. Great for live betting during games. Just make sure you have a good internet connection.
In-Person Betting: Classic experience at casinos or retail sportsbooks. You get the fun atmosphere, with TVs, food, and other fans.
Can’t decide? Do both! Many people use apps for convenience and visit sportsbooks for big games or events.
State-by-State Legal Betting Map (2025)
Here’s a quick snapshot of where things stand in 2025. But remember: laws change fast, so double-check your state!
- Fully Legal (Online + Retail): New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, Louisiana, Colorado
- Retail Only or Limited Online: Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota
- Coming Soon: Maine, California (pending legislation), Texas (watch this space!)
- No Legal Sports Betting: Georgia, Utah, South Carolina
Tip: If your state isn’t legal yet, you can’t use a friend’s address or a VPN to bypass restrictions. Operators use your GPS to confirm your location.
Responsible Gambling is Key
Let’s be real—betting is fun, but it’s also a risk. It’s easy to lose track of time and money when you’re rooting for your team. So be smart from the start.
Follow these golden rules:
- Only bet money you can afford to lose.
- Set daily or weekly betting limits.
- Use the responsible gaming tools in your sportsbook app.
- Take breaks often.
- If betting isn’t fun anymore, get help.
There are lots of free resources like NCPG (National Council on Problem Gambling) that can help.
Ready to Make Game Day Even Better?
The 2025 NFL season promises major matchups, unbelievable plays, and maybe a few upsets. Whether you’re cheering for the Eagles, Cowboys, Bengals, or Chiefs, betting can take your fandom to the next level.
But don’t forget—the best bets are the smart ones. Stick with legal sportsbooks, know your limits, and enjoy the ride. Touchdown, baby!
Now, pick your team, grab some wings, and get those bets in. Game on!