Betting on the Super Bowl holds significant importance in America’s sports landscape. In 2023, an estimated 50.4 million adults in the US, representing 20% of the population, participated in betting on the game, collectively wagering a staggering $16 billion.
As the climax of the NFL season, the Super Bowl garners immense attention. In this guide, we’ll offer comprehensive insights into how to engage in Super Bowl betting. This will encompass an understanding of the Super Bowl’s operational dynamics, the array of bet types available, recommended strategies for betting, and a curated list of the top Super Bowl betting platforms.
Best Betting Sites for Super Bowl LVIII in 2024
| BetOnline | Best Paying NFL Betting Site |
| Bovada | Best Super Bowl Betting Odds |
| TG Casino | Highest Paying Sportsbook for Telegram Users |
Here’s an example of a Super Bowl bet:
Super Bowl betting is widely accessible, with online platforms offering various levels of coverage. While all platforms cover the event to some extent, some provide more comprehensive options than others.
Super Bowl bets typically fit into two main categories: futures markets and game markets. In futures markets, you wager on the winner before the game begins, while game markets allow bets once the lineup is confirmed.
Placing a game bet follows a process similar to any NFL matchup, as outlined in our NFL betting guide. For instance, let’s consider placing a bet on the over/under for the game.
Many betting sites have dedicated sections for the Super Bowl within their main NFL category. In this example, let’s say we place a $100 bet on the under, with odds set at -110. If the total points of the game stay under 47.5, we stand to make a profit of $90.91.
For those who placed bets before the Super Bowl started, access to futures bets was available even before the season began. These bets included options such as predicting the winner of the NFC, the AFC, the Super Bowl, and the specific Super Bowl matchup itself. Although these bets often have long odds, they can offer excitement and potentially lucrative payouts if successful.
Here’s a guide on how to place a bet on the Super Bowl:
As part of our Super Bowl betting guide, we’ve outlined a step-by-step process for creating an account and making a bet. For this demonstration, we’ve selected BetOnline, which we consider the top site for Super Bowl wagering.
1. Click on “Join”
To start, click on the green “Join” button located at the top of the page. This will initiate the sign-up process.
2. Complete the Sign-Up Process
You’ll be asked to provide your email address, username, and password. Additionally, you’ll need to enter personal details such as your name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
3. Make a Deposit
Once your account is verified and set up, log in to the sportsbook. Navigate to the cashier section to deposit funds. The available deposit methods may vary based on your location.
4. Select NFL
Head to the sportsbook’s left-hand navigation bar and find the “NFL” section. At the top of the page, you’ll see various headings. Scroll horizontally to locate the Super Bowl markets. Click on this section to view all upcoming bets. As the game approaches, more markets will become available.
5. Place Your Bet
To place a bet, click on the odds to add them to your bet slip. In the bet slip, use the “Wager” section to select your desired bet amount. The “To Win” box will show your potential winnings based on the chosen stake. When you’re ready, click the “Confirm” button at the bottom of the bet slip to finalize your bet. You can monitor all live bets within the account section.
Understanding the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl stands as the apex event of the NFL season, where the top two teams from the AFC and NFC vie for the championship title. In this segment of our Super Bowl betting guide, we delve into the mechanics of the Super Bowl, elucidating how teams progress to the finals.
NFL Season
The regular NFL season commences in September and encompasses a total of 32 teams. These teams are divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).
Within each conference lie four divisions: North, South, East, and West. Each team engages in a 17-game regular season schedule with the objective of qualifying for the playoffs.
Playoff Qualification
A total of 14 teams advance to the playoff rounds, comprising the eight divisional winners from each conference and three wild card teams from each division. The top two seeds, determined as the highest-ranked teams from the AFC and NFC, earn a bye into the second week of the playoffs.
Playoff Rounds
The playoffs consist of three rounds leading up to the Super Bowl:
- Wild Card Round: This round features teams ranked two to four in each conference, alongside the three wild card teams.
- Divisional Round: The top two seeds re-enter the competition and confront the lowest-ranked teams from each conference. This round involves four divisional winners versus four wild card winners.
- Conference Championship: The winners of the Divisional round games from the AFC and NFC vie in this round. The victors of each conference are crowned conference champions and secure the opportunity to compete in the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl culminates the NFL season, determining the league’s overall champion. The anticipation surrounding the game is immense, with a two-week hiatus following the Conference Championship for teams to prepare and for festivities to commence.
The game occurs at a predetermined venue, typically selected up to five years in advance. Occasionally, one of the competing teams may enjoy the advantage of playing at their home stadium, as was the case in 2020 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers competed at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The Super Bowl must conclude on the same day, with no possibility of ties. Overtime is implemented if necessary, with rules adjusted to ensure a definitive outcome.
What renders the Super Bowl truly captivating is its transcendence beyond a mere football game. It encompasses various elements, from the highly anticipated halftime show featuring top music artists to extravagant parties, iconic commercials, post-game celebrations, and the prestigious Vince Lombardi Trophy bestowed upon the champions.
Super Bowl Prop Bets
Understanding how to place bets on the Super Bowl entails familiarity with the diverse range of betting markets available. While many options are similar to those offered for regular NFL games, the unique nature of the Super Bowl introduces special bets specific to this event.
Super Bowl prop bets and novelty bets are highly popular during the big game, attracting even those who don’t typically engage in sports betting. The Super Bowl boasts a plethora of prop bets, surpassing any other game in the season in terms of variety. Here are some of the most popular:
National Anthem Over/Under
One of the earliest prop bets focuses on the length of the National Anthem performance. Last year, Chris Stapleton’s rendition lasted two minutes and one second, slightly under the line. This year, country music icon Reba McEntire is set to perform, with the initial line set at 84.5 seconds, but it has since shifted to 83.5 seconds.
Coin Toss
Another popular pre-game bet is the coin toss, offering a straightforward 50-50 chance of winning. Bettors can choose between heads or tails or predict which team will win the toss. Most sportsbooks offer even odds for either outcome.
MVP
Bettors often speculate on who will be named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Quarterbacks typically have the shortest odds due to their higher likelihood of winning the award. However, MVP honors are not exclusive to quarterbacks, as recent wins by wide receivers and linebackers demonstrate.
Halftime Show Songs Over/Under
While less common, betting on the number of songs performed during the halftime show adds to the excitement. Usher is set to headline this year’s show, with the line currently set at 8.5 songs. Additionally, bettors can wager on the first song, performer attire, and guest appearances.
Gatorade Bath Color
A perennial favorite, betting on the color of the traditional Gatorade bath is a popular prop bet. Since 2001, orange has been the most frequent color, followed by clear/water and yellow. However, this bet may not be available in all markets due to its unofficial nature.
Super Bowl LVIII Event Info
- Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024
- Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders
- How to Watch: CBS, Nickelodeon, and Paramount+
- Super Bowl Favorite: San Francisco 49ers (+150 on BetOnline as of January 23rd)
- National Anthem Performer: Reba McEntire
- Halftime Show Headliner: Usher
- Halftime Show Performers: Reba McEntire and Post Malone
Super Bowl LVIII: San Francisco 49ers (-2) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In a Super Bowl rematch from four years ago, it’s fitting that a pair of Raiders rivals will compete for the title on the Las Vegas home turf. Initially, San Francisco started as a 2-3 point favorite, varying depending on the sportsbook chosen. However, the spread eventually narrowed to -1.5.
As of February 1st, the line has shifted back up to -2 across the board.
Technically, Kansas City is designated as the home team for this year’s Super Bowl, with the home team alternating between conferences each year. This designation has little practical impact, but the Chiefs have the choice of uniform and the opportunity to call the coin toss. Interestingly, the team wearing white has won 16 of the last 19 Super Bowls, although the Chiefs’ victory over the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV was one of the exceptions.
Despite the disappointment for many fans over the absence of the Ravens and Lions in the Conference Championship game, the Super Bowl promises to be an exciting clash between two of the NFL’s top teams, both consistently dominant in recent years.
While Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs staged a remarkable 21-point comeback to defeat Jimmy Garoppolo’s team 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV, this time they’ll face Brock Purdy, undoubtedly one of the playoffs’ most clutch performers this year. On paper, this game appears poised to be a hard-fought battle that could be decided in the final moments.
Christian McCaffrey is heavily favored to score at least one touchdown, while speculation surrounds the potential retirement of Travis Kelce, a future NFL Hall of Famer. Kelce boasts impressive postseason statistics, ranking second in playoff receiving yards (1,810), first in playoff receptions (156), and second in playoff receiving touchdowns (19). The Mahomes-Kelce duo holds the record for the most postseason touchdowns in NFL history.
Rankings (regular season):
- Passing Offense: 49ers 6th, Chiefs 7th
- Rushing Offense: 49ers 3rd, Chiefs 19th
- Passing Defense: Chiefs 4th, 49ers 14th
- Rushing Defense: 49ers 3rd, Chiefs 18th
Super Bowl Betting Tips and Strategies
To profit from betting on the Super Bowl, a solid strategy is essential. Given the unique nature of this one-off game, finding value isn’t always straightforward compared to the regular season and playoffs.
As part of our guide on how to bet on the Super Bowl, we’ve included a variety of tips and strategies that can be applied to the game.
Place Your Bets Early to Secure the Best Odds
There are two weeks between the end of the conference games and the start of the Super Bowl. The excitement surrounding the game is immense and continues to build as the event approaches.
Many casual bettors tend to place their bets on the day of the game, leading to significant fluctuations in betting lines. Waiting until the last minute to bet may result in paying higher prices for markets like the point spread and totals, as sportsbooks adjust to manage their risk.
Sharp bettors prefer to bet early in order to secure the best possible lines. By betting early, they are capitalizing on their own opinions rather than competing against the volume of bets. It’s advisable to have a strategy in place and to act swiftly once betting opens to identify the most valuable opportunities. Typically, the longer you wait, the less favorable the odds become.
For instance, if the spread initially opens at five points with the favorite at -5 offering favorable odds, increased betting activity throughout the week may prompt the sportsbook to adjust the line to -6 or higher, making it more challenging to cover.
A useful tip is to compare different betting sites. While some sites may adjust their lines earlier, others may follow suit shortly afterward. If you notice a line movement on one sportsbook, consider exploring other sites to potentially secure the original line before it changes.
SWOT Analysis
Businesses often utilize SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to enhance their operational efficiency. They assess what aspects are functioning well, what areas need improvement, and how they can progress accordingly.
This same approach can be applied to betting, particularly for single events like the Super Bowl. It’s crucial to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each team.
A simple starting point is to determine whether a team excels offensively or defensively. Are they adept at scoring points but struggle to prevent their opponents from doing the same? Have their past victories been narrow or decisive blowouts?
Reviewing past performance allows you to identify potential advantages one team may have over the other. While it’s common for Super Bowl contenders to be evenly matched, it’s unlikely for both teams to possess identical playing styles.
For instance, if both teams demonstrate strong offensive capabilities, focus on markets like the over/under in total points. Teams that prioritize running the ball may excel in markets related to rushing yards. Conducting a SWOT analysis for each team can reveal areas of mismatch and inform more strategic betting decisions.
Value Can be Hard to Find
The Super Bowl is more of a festive occasion than a profit-making opportunity. Many professional bettors opt not to wager on the game and instead simply savor the spectacle. This is because uncovering value from the Super Bowl can be challenging.
With the immense attention placed on the Super Bowl, and with over $16 billion wagered in the US alone last year, the best offshore sportsbooks are typically very sharp, making it difficult to find significant value bets compared to regular season games that may fly under the radar.
While there’s always potential for profit, don’t be discouraged if you struggle to find substantial value. Instead, consider placing bets on fun markets like same-game parlays, quirky proposition bets, and teasers. Keep your wagers modest and focus on enjoying the game experience above all else.
Create a Narrative
A fundamental betting strategy applicable across all sports is to craft a narrative. This involves analyzing various scenarios to determine the most probable outcome of the game.
Your narrative might encompass multiple storylines, considering factors such as team performance at the beginning and end of the game, the key players likely to influence the outcome, and the coach’s strategic decisions (often overlooked but significant).
Based on this narrative, you can explore a range of betting options you may not have previously considered. For instance, if you anticipate that one team will start strongly and secure the first drive, look into markets related to them scoring first or which player will make the initial impact.
Alternatively, if both teams excel defensively but struggle offensively, focus on markets favoring low-scoring games. Betting on the under for total points can offer value, and you can enhance your odds by combining this bet with others in a parlay.
Bank on the Quarterback for MVP
It’s evident that quarterbacks have been dominating the MVP title, winning it in 10 out of the last 15 Super Bowls. This trend is reflected in the odds, making quarterback MVP bets a viable alternative to other markets like the moneyline.
While moneyline markets are highly competitive, it’s worth noting that the MVP almost always comes from the winning team. Even a mediocre quarterback performance may be enough to secure the award, often leaving other key players like wide receivers and running backs overlooked.
Instead of betting on the moneyline, choosing the quarterback to win MVP can potentially yield higher returns. Although it carries slightly more risk, it can be a solid bet, especially if you’re confident in the winning team’s performance.
Most Successful Super Bowl Teams
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots are the most successful teams in Super Bowl history, both with six victories each. These franchises have enjoyed periods of dominance in different eras, with the Patriots notably ruling the 2000s and the Steelers excelling during the 1970s.
Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have also made their mark on the Super Bowl, each securing five wins. Meanwhile, the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers have clinched four victories apiece, further solidifying their esteemed status in Super Bowl history.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Bet on the Super Bowl
How do I start making bets on the Super Bowl?
To start placing bets on the Super Bowl, you need to pick a reliable offshore sportsbook or betting platform. Then, sign up for an account and go through the registration process. Once done, deposit money into your betting account. Explore the various Super Bowl betting choices and select the ones you want to wager on. Lastly, confirm your bets and stay updated on the game’s progress.
What betting choices can I find for the Super Bowl?
A variety of betting options are offered for the Super Bowl, including moneyline bets, point spread bets, over/under bets, prop bets (for both players and teams), parlay bets, teaser bets, and live betting, among others.
Is online sports betting allowed for the Super Bowl in my area?
The legality of online sports betting varies based on your location. It’s important to check your local laws and regulations to verify if online sports betting, particularly for the Super Bowl, is allowed in your area. While several U.S. states have legalized online sports betting, regulations differ.
How can I understand and comprehend Super Bowl betting odds?
Super Bowl betting odds are typically presented in three formats: fractional odds, decimal odds, and moneyline odds. It’s important to understand how each format works to determine potential payouts. Moreover, odds indicate the probability of a particular outcome.
What does the Super Bowl point spread entail?
The point spread is a set margin of victory established by the sportsbook for a game to even out the competition between the favored team and the underdog. Bettors can choose to bet on either side of the spread. For the favorite to cover the spread, they must win by a margin larger than the spread, while the underdog covers if they lose by less than the spread or win the game outright.
What are the steps to make a Super Bowl prop bet, and what are some commonly chosen prop bets?
To make Super Bowl prop bets, you can use your chosen sportsbook. These bets focus on particular events during the game, like the first team to score, player stats, and unusual happenings. Popular prop bets for the Super Bowl include predicting the coin toss outcome, guessing the length of the national anthem, and making MVP forecasts.
Is it possible for me to participate in live betting for the Super Bowl while the game is ongoing?
Absolutely, many sportsbooks offer live betting, also referred to as in-play betting, for the Super Bowl. This allows you to place bets on various outcomes while the game is underway, giving you the opportunity to adapt your strategy based on real-time events.
What approaches should I use to handle my bankroll while betting on the Super Bowl?
It’s crucial to manage your bankroll wisely. Allocate a specific budget for betting and refrain from chasing losses. You might want to consider strategies like unit betting to control the size of your wagers.
Are there any suggestions to increase my chances of winning Super Bowl bets?
Engage in comprehensive research on teams, analyze statistical data, stay informed about player injuries, and consider expert opinions. Maintain discipline and refrain from making emotionally-driven bets. While no strategy can assure success, making well-informed bets enhances your likelihood of winning.