GeoComply processed 99.8 million geolocation checks during Week 1 of the NFL season, reflecting a dramatic surge in sports betting activity. New player registrations also spiked, with sign-ups jumping over 310% to hit 135,700.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants upset the Cowboys 28-20. (Image: Elsa/Getty Images)The numbers underscore the NFL’s massive pull with sports bettors, but Week 1 also offered a clear snapshot of how football betting economics are evolving, according to Legal Sports Report (LSR).
GeoComply, a Vancouver-based anti-fraud and geolocation technology company, provides compliance services to sportsbook clients worldwide.
NFL Betting Activity Surges
On the surface, Week 1 appeared exceptionally bettor-friendly, as Casino.org reported.
According to LSR, NFL teams combined for 791 points—tying 2012 for the highest opening-week total ever—while setting Week 1 records for total touchdowns (93), offensive touchdowns (90), and rushing touchdowns (37). Favorites went 12-4 straight up, while the Over hit in nine of 16 games (9-6-1).
Offenses Deliver Record Week
At Caesars Sportsbook, seven of eight early afternoon favorites won outright, and six games went Over the total—many hitting the mark by halftime.
Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars Sportsbook, told Casino.org that favorites, Overs, and anytime touchdown scorers combined to create a bettor-friendly trifecta. Bettors only faced major resistance when the Los Angeles Chargers were upset by the Arizona Cardinals.
However, LSR noted that traditional game outcomes are no longer reliable indicators of bookmaker profitability, largely due to the rapid growth of same-game parlays and player props.
Bettors Face Late Resistance
In the Las Vegas-based Circa Survivor contest, which drew over 25,000 entries entering Week 1, more than 8,000 entries were eliminated in the opening slate—most knocked out when the 8.5-point favorite Chargers fell to the Cardinals. That upset served as a proxy for the wider market, ruining countess parlay tickets across major sportsbooks.
Looking ahead to Week 2, bettors continue to chase high-scoring games. At BetMGM, Overs represent three of the five most-bet game totals by ticket count: Vikings-Bears (Over 48), Saints-Ravens (Over 46), and Panthers-Falcons (Over 44).
“For Week 2, bettors are continuing to back teams that looked strong in Week 1, while also showing increased interest in teams that struggled,” Feazel said. “The Bears and Ravens have drawn heavy action following their offensive success last week, while the Eagles and 49ers remain popular. Meanwhile, the Titans and Dolphins are attracting bounce-back attention after disappointing debuts.”
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