New York sportsbooks took in $595 million in wagers during NFL Week 1, a record for an opening week since the state launched mobile sports betting in 2022. The total is up 13% from last year’s opening week and marks the sixth-highest weekly handle in state history.
Despite the record handle, sportsbooks kept only $17 million of it in net win, down 44% from the same week a year ago. Favorites covered, totals went over, and first-touchdown scorer props hit at a high rate across the slate, cutting into operator margins.
“Favorites, overs, and touchdown-scorers combined to create a bettor-friendly trifecta on opening Sunday,” said Joey Feazel of Caesars Sportsbook.
Prediction markets also saw heavy activity in New York over the same period. Kalshi reported $702 million traded on NFL contracts in the state, a 211% increase year-over-year, and more than $1 billion when combination trades are included. The Cowboys-Giants Sunday night game alone accounted for $112.8 million in Kalshi trading volume. Geolocation data provider GeoComply tracked a peak of 8,619 transactions per second during the week.
Industry analysts project total NFL betting stakes nationally will reach roughly $40 billion this season. “I would expect betting and trading to be a ubiquitous presence this NFL season as brands battle with billions at stake,” said Chris Grove of Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.
