how many people bet on super bowl
How Many People Bet on the Super Bowl
While exact numbers are difficult to pin down, the Super Bowl is undeniably the most bet-on sporting event in the United States. The American Gaming Association estimated that over 31 million Americans planned to bet on Super Bowl LVII in 2023٫ a significant increase from previous years. This growing trend is fueled by the expanding legalization of sports betting across the nation٫ making it easier than ever for fans to place wagers. With more states adopting legal sports betting٫ the number of people betting on the Super Bowl is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
Super Bowl Betting Handle
The Super Bowl betting handle, representing the total amount of money wagered on the event, has been soaring to new heights year after year. In 2023, the American Gaming Association projected a record-breaking handle exceeding $16 billion, a testament to the event’s massive popularity among bettors. This staggering figure encompasses wagers placed legally at physical sportsbooks, online platforms, and internationally, as well as an estimated amount from unregulated markets.
Nevada, home to Las Vegas and a long history of legal sports betting, consistently boasts the largest Super Bowl handle among all states. For instance, Nevada sportsbooks reported taking over $185.6 million in bets for Super Bowl LVIII in 2024٫ shattering the previous state record. This upward trend is fueled by several factors٫ including the increasing availability of mobile betting apps٫ the expansion of legal sports betting across the US٫ and the Super Bowl’s status as a cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional sports fandom.
The remarkable growth in Super Bowl betting handle highlights the event’s unparalleled position in the world of sports betting. As more states legalize and regulate sports wagering, the Super Bowl handle is poised for continued expansion, solidifying its reputation as the most lucrative single-day event for the industry. This surge also reflects the evolving landscape of sports betting, with online and mobile platforms becoming increasingly dominant channels for placing wagers.
The Rise of Legal Sports Betting
The surge in Super Bowl betting is inextricably linked to the burgeoning legal sports betting landscape in the United States. The landmark 2018 Supreme Court decision, which struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paved the way for individual states to legalize and regulate sports wagering within their borders. This watershed moment ignited a wave of legalization efforts, transforming the industry from a niche market to a mainstream form of entertainment.
Before PASPA’s repeal, Nevada held a virtual monopoly on legal sports betting, limiting the potential reach of the Super Bowl betting market. However, the post-PASPA era has witnessed a dramatic expansion, with over 30 states and Washington D.C. now offering some form of legal sports betting, either online, in-person, or both. This proliferation of legal options provides fans with convenient and accessible ways to engage in Super Bowl betting, contributing to the event’s record-breaking handles.
The rise of legal sports betting has not only boosted the overall volume of wagers but also fostered a safer and more transparent betting environment. Regulated operators are held accountable for adhering to responsible gaming practices, providing consumer protections, and ensuring the integrity of wagering activities. This shift towards a regulated market also generates significant tax revenue for states, which can be allocated to education, infrastructure, and other public services. As more states embrace legal sports betting, the Super Bowl’s prominence as a betting juggernaut is poised to grow even further.
Super Bowl Betting Trends
Super Bowl betting has evolved beyond simply picking a winner. While traditional bets on the point spread, moneyline, and over/under remain popular, prop bets have exploded in popularity, injecting a dose of creativity and entertainment into the wagering landscape. Prop bets allow fans to wager on a wide range of occurrences within the game, from the outcome of the coin toss to the length of the National Anthem performance.
These often-quirky wagers cater to casual and die-hard fans alike, creating opportunities for engagement beyond the final score. Additionally, the rise of mobile sports betting has revolutionized how fans place wagers. With the convenience of betting apps, fans can place bets from the comfort of their homes, at watch parties, or even live from the stadium.
This accessibility has contributed to the growth of in-game betting, allowing fans to react to the ebb and flow of the game in real time. This dynamic betting environment adds another layer of excitement to the Super Bowl experience, as fans can place wagers based on evolving game situations. As technology advances and the legal sports betting market matures, expect further innovation and diversification in Super Bowl betting trends, offering fans even more engaging and personalized ways to participate in the action.
Impact of Super Bowl Location
The Super Bowl’s location significantly impacts local betting activity. When hosted in a state with legal sports betting, the game generates a surge in wagers placed within that specific market. For instance, Super Bowl LVIII, held in Las Vegas, shattered Nevada’s previous record for Super Bowl betting handle, reaching a staggering $185.6 million. This surge is attributed to the convenience for residents and the influx of tourists eager to participate in the excitement of legal wagering.
Conversely, when the Super Bowl occurs in a state without legal sports betting, a portion of the potential betting revenue is diverted to neighboring states or unregulated offshore markets. The proximity to states with legal sports betting influences the flow of wagers, as fans often cross state lines to place bets legally. This phenomenon highlights the economic impact of the Super Bowl on the host state’s gambling industry and neighboring jurisdictions. As legal sports betting expands across the US, the Super Bowl’s location will continue to be a crucial factor influencing betting patterns and revenue distribution across state lines.