Betting on the Super Bowl is a significant event in America’s sports calendar. In 2023, it was estimated that 50.4 million adults in the US, which accounts for 20% of the population, placed bets on the game, amounting to a total of $16 billion.
As the pinnacle of the NFL season, the Super Bowl attracts massive attention, and in this guide, we’ll provide you with comprehensive information on how to wager on the Super Bowl. This includes an overview of how the Super Bowl operates, the various types of bets available, recommended betting strategies, and a list of the top Super Bowl betting sites below.
Top Sites to Bet on the Super Bowl
100% Crypto Bonus Up to €1000
125% Deposit Bonus Up To €1,000
200% Deposit Bonus Up To €25,000 + 50 Free Spins
200% Rakeback Up To $25,000 and 10 Free Spins
Best Betting Sites for Super Bowl LVIII 2024
Example of a Super Bowl Bet
The accessibility of Super Bowl betting is extensive. While all online betting platforms offer coverage to some extent, it’s important to note that some provide more comprehensive coverage than others.
Super Bowl bets typically fall into two categories: futures markets, where you wager on the winner before the game begins, and game markets, where you place bets once the lineup is confirmed.
The process for placing a game bet mirrors that of any NFL matchup, and we have detailed this process extensively in our guide on NFL betting. For illustrative purposes, let’s consider placing a bet on the over/under for the game.
Many betting sites offer dedicated sections for the Super Bowl within their main NFL category. In this example, we’ve placed a $100 bet on the under, with odds set at -110. Therefore, if the total points of the game remain under 47.5, we stand to make a profit of $90.91.
For those who placed bets before the Super Bowl commenced, access to futures bets was available even before the season began. These bets included options like the winner of the NFC, the AFC, the Super Bowl, and the Super Bowl matchup itself. While the odds may be long, these bets can be exciting and potentially lucrative if successful.
How to Place a Bet on the Super Bowl
As part of our guide on betting on the Super Bowl, we’ve outlined a step-by-step process for creating an account and placing a bet. For this demonstration, we’ve chosen BetOnline, which we consider the top betting site for Super Bowl wagering.
1. Click on “Join”
To begin, click on the green “Join” button located at the top of the page. This will start the sign-up process.
2. Complete the Sign-Up Process
You will be prompted to enter your email address, username, and password. During this process, you will also be required to provide personal information such as your name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
3. Make a Deposit
After your account has been verified and set up, return to the sportsbook to log in. Navigate to the cashier section to make a deposit. The available deposit methods may vary depending on your location.
4. Select NFL
Navigate to the sportsbook’s left-hand navigation bar and locate the “NFL” section. At the top of the page, you’ll find a range of headings. Scroll horizontally to locate the Super Bowl markets. Click on this section to view all upcoming bets. As the game approaches, the number of available markets will expand gradually.
5. Place Your Bet
To make a bet, simply 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 display the potential winnings based on your chosen stake. Once you’re ready, click the “Confirm” button at the bottom of the bet slip to finalize your bet. You can track all live bets within the account section.
Understanding the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle event of the NFL season, featuring the top two teams from the AFC and NFC competing for the championship title. In this part of our guide on betting on the Super Bowl, we explain the workings of the Super Bowl, including how teams advance to the finals.
NFL Season
The regular NFL season kicks off in September and comprises 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, there are four divisions: North, South, East, and West. Each team competes in a 17-game regular season schedule with the goal of qualifying for the playoffs.
Playoff Qualification
A total of 14 teams advance to the playoff rounds. This comprises the eight divisional winners from each conference, along with three wild card teams from each division. The top two seeds, determined as the highest-ranked teams from the AFC and NFC, receive a bye into the second week of the playoffs.
Playoff rounds
The playoffs consist of three rounds leading up to the Super Bowl:
1. Wild Card Round: This round features teams ranked two to four in each conference, along with the three wild card teams.
2. Divisional Round: The top two seeds re-enter the competition and face off against the lowest-ranked teams from each conference. This round comprises four divisional winners versus four wild card winners.
3. Conference Championship: The winners of the Divisional round games from the AFC and NFC compete in this round. The victors of each conference are crowned conference champions and earn the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl marks the final game of the NFL season and determines the league’s overall champion. The anticipation leading up to the game is immense, with a two-week break following the Conference Championship for teams to prepare and for festivities to begin.
The game is held at a predetermined venue, typically selected up to five years in advance. Occasionally, one of the competing teams may have the advantage of playing at their home stadium, as was the case in 2020 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played 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, and rules are adjusted to ensure a decisive outcome.
What makes the Super Bowl truly captivating is that it transcends being just a football game. It encompasses everything from the highly anticipated halftime show featuring top music artists, to extravagant parties, iconic commercials, post-game celebrations, and the prestigious Vince Lombardi Trophy awarded to the champions.
Varieties of Super Bowl Wagers
Understanding how to bet on the Super Bowl requires familiarity with the array of markets available. While many betting 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
Super Bowl prop bets and novelty bets are among the most popular during the big game. Many bettors who typically focus on game outcomes often indulge in prop betting on Super Bowl Sunday as a special treat. Notably, the Super Bowl features 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 is on the length of the National Anthem. Last year, Chris Stapleton’s rendition lasted two minutes and one second, hitting the under by just four seconds. This year, country music icon Reba McEntire is slated to perform, with initial lines set at 84.5 seconds. However, as of January 26th, the current line stands at 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 even 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, given their higher likelihood of winning the award. However, MVP honors are not exclusive to quarterbacks, as demonstrated by recent wins by wide receivers and linebackers.
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, 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, betting on the Gatorade bath is not 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 quite 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, as the home team alternates between conferences each year. This means little in practice, 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, you need a solid strategy. Given the uniqueness 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Bank on the Quarterback for MVP
As evident, there’s a significant focus on quarterbacks winning the MVP title, with them clinching it in 10 out of the last 15 Super Bowls. The odds typically reflect this trend, but this market offers a viable alternative to others, such as the moneyline.
For instance, moneyline markets are often highly competitive. However, it’s worth considering that the MVP almost always hails from the winning team, and even a mediocre quarterback performance may suffice (resulting in many instances where wide receivers and running backs are overlooked in favor of quarterbacks for the award).
Instead of betting on the moneyline, opting for the quarterback to win MVP can yield higher returns. Although it carries slightly more risk, it can be a solid bet, particularly if you’re confident in the winning team’s performance.
Top Super Bowl Winners
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots stand as the most successful teams in Super Bowl history, each boasting six victories. These two franchises have enjoyed periods of dominance in different eras, with the Patriots notably dominating the 2000s while the Steelers excelled during the 1970s.
Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have also left 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 status as esteemed contenders in the Super Bowl annals.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Bet on the Super Bowl
How can I begin placing bets on the Super Bowl?
To begin betting on the Super Bowl, you should first select a trustworthy sportsbook or betting platform. Next, register for an account and complete the sign-up process. Afterward, deposit funds into your betting account. Explore the Super Bowl betting options available and choose the bets you wish to place. Finally, confirm your bets and keep track of the game’s developments.
What betting options are available for the Super Bowl?
There is a wide array of bet types available for the Super Bowl, such as moneyline bets, point spread bets, over/under bets, prop bets (both player and team), parlay bets, teaser bets, and live betting, among others.
Is online sports betting permitted for the Super Bowl in my region?
The legality of online sports betting differs depending on your location. It’s essential to review your local laws and regulations to confirm if online sports betting, especially on the Super Bowl, is permitted in your area. While many U.S. states have legalized online sports betting, regulations vary.
How do I interpret and grasp Super Bowl betting odds?
Super Bowl betting odds are commonly displayed in three formats: fractional odds, decimal odds, and moneyline odds. It’s crucial to comprehend how each format operates to gauge potential payouts. Additionally, odds reflect the likelihood of a specific outcome.
What is the Super Bowl point spread, and what does it entail?
The point spread is a predetermined margin of victory set by the sportsbook for a game to balance the competition between the favorite and the underdog. Bettors have the option to wager on either side of the spread. To cover the spread, the favorite must win by a margin greater than the spread, while the underdog covers if they lose by less than the spread or win outright.
How can I place a Super Bowl prop bet, and what are some popular prop bets?
You can place Super Bowl prop bets through your preferred sportsbook. Prop bets center around specific events during the game, such as the first team to score, player statistics, and unique occurrences. Common Super Bowl prop bets include predicting the result of the coin toss, estimating the length of the national anthem, and making MVP predictions.
Can I engage in live betting for the Super Bowl during the game?
Certainly, numerous sportsbooks provide live betting, also known as in-play betting, for the Super Bowl. This allows you to place bets on different outcomes as the game progresses, enabling you to adjust your strategy based on real-time events.
What strategies should I employ to manage my bankroll when betting on the Super Bowl?
Managing your bankroll effectively is essential. Make sure you have a designated budget for betting and avoid chasing losses. Consider employing strategies such as unit betting to regulate the size of your wagers.
Are there any tips to enhance my likelihood of winning Super Bowl bets?
Conduct thorough research on teams, analyze statistics, stay updated on player injuries, and take into account expert opinions. Practice discipline and avoid making emotional bets. While no strategy can guarantee success, making informed bets increases your chances of winning.
