A Brief History of Super Bowl Betting
Scott Morris | February 6, 2023
The Super Bowl is not just one of the biggest sporting events of the year, it’s also a time for friends, family and fans to come together, watch the game and make some bets. Betting on the Super Bowl has become a tradition for many and has been around for decades. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of Super Bowl betting, including some of the biggest bets and most memorable moments.
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. It wasn’t until the following year that Super Bowl betting became popular. The first bets were placed in Las Vegas sportsbooks and were simple: which team would win the game. Over the years, the betting options have expanded to include the point spread, money line, over/under, and even prop bets.
Super Bowl Handle
In recent years, the Super Bowl has become one of the biggest betting events of the year. In 2020, the Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs was the most bet on Super Bowl in history, with an estimated $158.6 million wagered in Nevada sportsbooks alone. This was a record-breaking year for Super Bowl betting, with the previous record being set in 2019 with $145.9 million wagered. By all account 2023 is expected to break records around the country as well as offshore.
The most popular bet for the Super Bowl is still the point spread, which is a handicap given to the underdog to level the playing field. This allows bettors to wager on either team, regardless of the perceived advantage. For example, in Super Bowl LIV, the point spread was set at 1.5 points in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning they needed to win by at least two points for those who bet on them to win their bet.
Other Types of Bets
Another popular type of Super Bowl bet is the money line, which simply requires bettors to pick which team will win the game. In Super Bowl LIV, the money line odds favored the Kansas City Chiefs (-120) over the San Francisco 49ers (+100). This means that a $100 bet on the Chiefs would return a $83.33 profit, while a $100 bet on the 49ers would return a $100 profit if they won the game.
In addition to traditional betting options, prop bets have become increasingly popular in recent years. Prop bets are wagers made on events that occur during the game, such as the length of the national anthem, the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach, or the first player to score a touchdown. These types of bets add an extra level of excitement to the game and offer a wider range of betting options for fans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Super Bowl betting has come a long way since its inception in 1968. From simple money line bets to elaborate prop bets, the Super Bowl has become one of the most popular betting events of the year. With the growth of online sports betting, the number of bets placed on the Super Bowl continues to grow, making it one of the biggest betting events in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the game, the Super Bowl is a great opportunity to get in on the action and possibly walk away with some extra cash in your pocket.
Also See:
Where to Play Super Bowl Squares Online
5 Possible Standout Players For Super Bowl 57
Super Bowl Props – Are They Worth Betting?
