US sports betting market hits $166 billion in 2025 amid lawsuit against FanDuel and DraftKings

A Fortune analysis estimates that Americans placed about $166 billion in sports bets in 2025, more than twice the combined spending on movies, books, music and museums. The figure could be higher when unreported tribal casino and prediction‑market bets are included, suggesting roughly $1,000 spent per adult.

Public‑health experts warn that the rapidly expanding industry relies on aggressive, personalized promotions that can fuel gambling addiction. In Philadelphia, the Public Health Advocacy Institute has filed a consumer‑protection lawsuit on behalf of bettor Terry Thompson, alleging that FanDuel and DraftKings used VIP perks and a personalized video featuring MLB star Bryce Harper to encourage continued play despite clear signs of addiction. The operators contend that standard responsible‑gaming tools are available and argue that the case should be dismissed or sent to arbitration under the companies’ terms of service.

The litigation could set a precedent for how gambling companies must address compulsive‑gaming behavior and may influence regulatory scrutiny of the $166 billion market.