The numbers are in—and they’re jaw-dropping.
In May 2025, legal U.S. sportsbooks took in a staggering $12.1 billion in total bets, setting a new national monthly record. That figure marks a 15.5% increase year-over-year, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). Even more impressive? Sportsbook revenue soared to $1.37 billion, reflecting a 24% jump compared to the same month in 2024.
What’s Driving the Boom?
Several key forces are fueling the sports betting explosion in mid-2025:
- More States, More Action: With over 38 states now offering legal sports betting—including recent additions like North Carolina and Vermont—the national footprint has never been larger.
- In-Play Betting Surge: Nearly 53% of all bets are now being placed in real-time during games. This trend is especially dominant in the NBA Playoffs, MLS, and MLB.
- Parlay Fever: The popularity of multi-leg parlays continues to drive both engagement and sportsbook profitability. Industry insiders say parlay bets accounted for nearly 45% of all revenue in May.
- Betting Apps Get Smarter: AI-driven features like predictive odds boosts and personalized offers are increasing user retention and ticket volume.
Where the Money’s Coming From
According to AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, these are the top-performing states in May 2025:
| State | Total Handle | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $2.16B | $175M |
| New Jersey | $1.78B | $162M |
| Illinois | $1.24B | $123M |
| Nevada | $1.02B | $94M |
| Pennsylvania | $987M | $89M |
Fun Fact: New York is on pace to become the first state to break $20 billion in yearly handle by the end of 2025.
What It Means for Bettors and Affiliates
The boom isn’t just good for the books—it’s an opportunity for savvy bettors and affiliate platforms like LuckyBets.com:
- More Promos: Competition is fierce. Expect enhanced welcome bonuses, parlay boosts, and even loss insurance from top sportsbooks.
- Wider Betting Options: From esports to K-Pop award shows, books are adding exotic props to meet demand.
- Higher Hold Rates: With books averaging an 11.3% hold, bettors need sharper strategies than ever. That’s where our LuckyPik predictors come in—turning public data into lucky wins.
Bottom Line: Get in While the Odds Are Hot
Whether you’re chasing that longshot parlay or simply enjoying the in-play sweat, 2025 is the year of the smart bettor.
Stay tuned to LuckyBets.com for:
- Weekly power rankings
- Smart parlay tools
- Real betting insights that match the moment
The house may always win, but you can learn to play luck like a pro.
LuckyBets.com
