When the Super Bowl comes around each year, many bettors, just like yourself, are hoping to maximize their enjoyment of the event with strategic betting.
With numerous sports betting sites available, choosing the right one for yourself is very important. You want to find a sportsbook with competitive odds, comprehensive betting options, and hopefully some Super Bowl promos too.
We'll cover everything you need to know about the event, as well as how to place bets and tips on choosing the right site. So, keep reading to find out more!
How Super Bowl Betting Works
Super Bowl betting offers different options for you to bet on in addition to the outcome of the games. You can bet on a huge number of different aspects of the game.
These include:
The overall winner (moneyline)
Players' statistics
The half-time show
Total points (over/under)
All-time touchdown
Point Spread
Super Bowl MVP
You can also wager on more specific options such as overtime, coin toss prop bet, and even the color of the Gatorade that will be tipped over the winning head coach.
As you can see, there's a lot of variety in Super Bowl betting, but that's not all!
When Does Super Bowl Betting Start?
You can start betting on the game's outcome any time of the year before the event begins.
Options available for betting include moneyline, Super Bowl MVP, and totals (over/under).
However, when the events begin, sportsbooks will start rolling out props bet options - these options could include which player will make the first touchdown and the outcome of individual games.
Once the playoffs begin, you can bet on the Super Bowl in real-time with live betting.
You can wager on things like the outcome of the next drive, whether a team will score on their next possession, or even who will win the coin toss.
Live betting adds extra excitement to watching the game, but it can also be very fast-paced and risky.
What Is a Super Bowl Parlay?
As well as making bets on single outcomes, you can also combine two or more bets on the Super Bowl in two ways.
The first way is parlays - a parlay combines multiple bets and all the individual bets must win for the parlay to win. Each bet's odds are multiplied to get the odds for the parlay.
For example, if you bet on the Chiefs to win and Patrick Mahomes to throw over 250 yards, and both bets win, you would win your parlay bet.
The second way is the same-game parlays - a same-game parlay is a type of parlay where all of the bets are placed on the same game.
If you're betting exclusively on the Super Bowl, you'll make a same game parlay. It can be a good way to bet on specific events you think will happen during the game, such as the first touchdown scorer, the over/under on total points, and the game's outcome.
Note: same game parlays tend to have slightly lower odds than parlays that take place over multiple games.
If you're interested in making a parlay bet on the Super Bowl then check out our guide to NFL parlays. Here you'll find all kinds of information, as well as tips for upcoming games.
How To Place a Bet on the Super Bowl: Step-by-Step Guide
Placing a bet on the Super Bowl event is a small deal, even to newbies. You can make use of the following steps to pull through.
Step 1: Choose Your Betting Site
To start, you need to create an account on a betting site. Choose a reputable betting site with your preferred payment options and the betting options you wish to bet on. We have a comprehensive guide to the best super bowl betting sites here.
Step 2: Log In or Create an Account
Create an account when you have decided on the site you wish to join. For instance, if you want to create an account at BetRivers, visit their official website. If you have an account with them already, click the login button as shown at the top right corner of the site. Otherwise, click the ‘join now’ button to start the process.
Step 3: Fill In Your Personal Details
You must understand the laws of the state of your residence before signing up. After clicking the join button, a new page will appear, requesting you to enter your details, including your screen name (username), email address, the state you are gambling from (state of residence), and password, as shown in the screenshot below.
Step 4: Select Your Login Details
Enter your correct information including a secure alphanumeric password to ensure the security of your account and click the ‘continue’ button below the page to proceed.
Step 5: Complete Your Residential Details
Fill in your full name, ZIP Code, street address, date of birth, and gender. Once filled, click the ‘continue’ button below the page to move to the next step, as shown in the image above.
Step 6: Enter Your Security Information
You will also need to set your security questions and answers, enter your phone number, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN), agree to the terms of service by checking the box, and click on the ‘complete' button as shown in the image below. After completing the last step, your newly formed account will be ready for you to deposit funds and start placing bets. However, you must complete your KYC before pulling out winnings from the site for the first time.
Step 7: Add Money to Your Account
BetRivers does not offer any no-deposit bonus, so you must add money to your account before placing a bet. The site supports many payment options, such as PayPal, bank transfers, American Express, Paysafe, credit or debit cards, and Vanilla. Please choose the one that is convenient for you and deposit it into your account. Also, remember that the site has a minimum deposit amount ($10).
Step 8: Browse the Odds
The next step is to access the betting markets and check the odds of all the available games. Ensure the odds are competitive enough for you - if you are satisfied with the odds, you can select from any options. As stated earlier in this article, you have many options, including moneyline, point spread, props, and live betting.
Step 9: Place Your Bets
If you picked all your selections as directed by the last step above, you can enter the amount you wish to stake on the games and review your bets. However, If you are unsatisfied with the bets, you can edit your selected options, remove or add any game of your choice, and place your bet.
Step 10: Watch Your Wager Play Out
You can keep track of your wager if the events commence by live streaming and cash out early if needed. Fingers crossed for a successful bet!
Super Bowl Betting Types
Over the last two years, bettors have placed billions of dollars on Super Bowl events.
Let's review some of the many Super Bowl betting options available to you.
Point Spread
The point spread is given in positive and negative numbers. It is like a handicap given to the teams to make the betting field more even. Let's say the Los Angeles Chargers are the favorite, and the point spread is -6.5. This means that the Chargers have to win by more than 6.5 points for a bet on them to win.
Let's imagine the Miami Dolphins are the underdog in that same game, with a +6.5 spread, they can lose the game by less than 6.5 points, and a bet on them would still win.
So, if the game plays out with a 22 - 17 win to the Los Angeles Chargers, a bet on them to win on the point spread would still lose because of the difference of just 5 points. A bet on the Miami Dolphins to win on the point spread would win in this instance too.
Confused? The point spread could be tricky for a beginner to understand perfectly! Thankfully, there are plenty of other more straightforward betting options that are perfect for betting beginners.
Totals (Over/Under)
Super Bowl totals, also known as Under/Over, bring another form of betting where you can bet on the total points of the two teams. You can put your money on whether the points scored by the two teams will exceed or fall short of the spread, which is set by sportsbooks.
For instance, let's imagine the final score is 28–24 and you projected the total to be 50 points or over on your betting account. The total points sum up to 52, which is more than you had anticipated - you won!
So, if you bet on the over, you win. If the score is 21-17, totaling 38 points, it's under the predicted total, and if you bet on the under, you win. This type of Super Bowl betting is easy to understand, making it a favorite for both seasoned bettors and rookies alike.
Moneyline
Moneyline is simply betting on the game's outcome, i.e. who will win the game. Each team is assigned odds that represent the potential payout.
For instance, if the Buffalo Bills have a moneyline of -150, you need to bet $150 to win $100. On the other hand, if Jacksonville Jaguars has a moneyline of +200, a $100 bet on them would earn you $200 if they win.
The negative sign (-) indicates the favorite, while the positive sign (+) represents the underdog. Moneyline is a perfect betting option for beginners.
Super Bowl Live Betting
You can also bet live on the Super Bowl as it goes on. There are multiple betting options such as betting on the next team to score, the player to achieve the next touchdown, or even specific plays, such as whether the next play will be a pass or a run.
The betting options can be different, and it depends on the sportsbook you choose to use. As long as you know the game well and pay close attention, live betting is a good option for everyone. The main challenge is to keep up with the action and not become flustered when making bets quickly.
Super Bowl Props
Props, also called proposition bets, are unique Super Bowl bets that don't necessarily focus on the game's outcome (moneyline, over/under, point spread, etc). It involves predicting specific events or player performances.
You can wager on things like who will score the game's first touchdown, how many touchdowns will be scored overall, or even non-football-related events like the color of the Gatorade shower that the victorious coach will get. It's one of the most common wagers you can place on major events like Super Bowl 58.
These bets are great options for everyone, so much so that we have a guide dedicated to NFL prop bets that we update with tips ahead of every major game.
How To Read Super Bowl Odds
There are three types of odds - American, decimal, and fractional. But, for the sake of the Super Bowl event, let's focus on the American type. It usually has a plus (+) and negative (-) signs before the numbers. The number indicates the amount you must wager to win $100. The team with the minus sign is the favorite, and the plus sign is the underdog.
For instance, if a team has -150 odds, you would bet $150 to win $100 should they win. This team would be the favorite, because of the - sign. In the same game, the other team might have odds of +200 meaning, you will receive $200 for your $100 wager. We know they're the underdog because of the + sign.
Super Bowl Betting Tips and Strategies
There is no straight rule to succeeding in sports, including the big game. Nonetheless, a few betting strategies and tips can increase your chances of winning or reduce the possibility of losing too much of your bankroll. Some of the tips are covered below.
Follow Line Movement
The line is not static, it favors the other team when a large number of bettors are placing their money on one side.
For instance, the line might move to -140 points if many people wager on the San Francisco 49ers, who were the favored team with -150 points.
You can make better-informed wagers by keeping an eye on these fluctuations. They can provide you with information about where people are placing their money.
SWOT Analysis
Consider using SWOT analysis as a betting strategy for the Super Bowl. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team, taking into consideration the recent performance of their key players.
Look for opportunities like good matchups or injuries on the other team. Be aware of potential threats, like a star player being out. Analyzing these aspects lets you make more informed bets based on a team's overall situation.
Bank On the Quarterback for MVP
Consider betting on the quarterback to win MVP of the Super Bowl. If their team wins, the quarterback, who frequently plays a key role, is likely to be awarded the Most Valuable Player. Quarterbacks lead the team's offense and are usually in the spotlight, making them a popular choice for MVP.
When placing live bets on the Super Bowl, pay close attention to their actions during the match and consider how they will affect the team's outcome.
Manage Your Bankroll
This is discipline; you must effectively manage your bankroll. Don't stake money that you can't afford to lose. Divide your bankroll into smaller chunks and consider placing a fixed percentage of money each time you bet. This strategy ensures you enjoy the thrill of Super Bowl betting without risking too much money.
Make Use of Super Bowl Promos
Ahead of major games, sportsbooks often hand out generous bonuses. Taking advantage of these bonuses can provide a welcome boost to your bankroll.
Make sure that you understand the terms of the bonus and that you can complete the wagering requirements within the time limit.
Super Bowl Bonus Offers & Promos
There are dozens of great Super Bowl promos available ahead of the big game. Below we'll explain some of the most common types of Super Bowl promo, as well as terms to look out for.
Welcome Bonus
Many of the best Super Bowl bonuses come in the form of a welcome bonus. This is a thanks from a sportsbook for signing up to their site. It usually requires you to sign up and make a minimum deposit of between $5 and $20 to activate it. Once active you might receive free bets, a second chance bet, or a cashback deal.
Free Bet
A free bet is a wonderful thing. It allows you to make a wager without risking your own money. These are given out to both new and existing customers at a sportsbook, particularly ahead of big events like the Super Bowl. Look out for any attached wagering requirements, as well as expiry dates.
Second Chance Bet
Many sportsbooks at the moment are giving their customers the chance to 'have another go' if their first bet loses. Simply make a bet with a sportsbook offering this bonus and if it loses, you'll be refunded your initial stake as a free bet.
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What Can We Learn from Past Super Bowl Betting?
Experience, they say, is the best teacher. Analyzing previous Super Bowl wagering experiences can give you insightful information for upcoming wagers.
Finding patterns, trends, and factors influencing results is possible by checking out this historical data. The following are some things we’ve learned from the past Super Bowl.
Underdogs Bite Back
While favorites boast a higher win rate (67% based on data from Super Bowl I to LVII), upsets can be lucrative.
The 2008 New York Giants (+14 points) shockingly defeated the undefeated New England Patriots (-12 points) in Super Bowl XLII by 17-14 points, proving that even seemingly unbeatable teams can falter.
Look for underdogs with value in the point spread, especially if they have a strong chance of covering the margin.
Trends Don’t Guarantee Wins
Historical trends do not guarantee repetition in the future. For instance, in the Super Bowl LIV, the Kansas City Chiefs defied their losing streak against the San Francisco 49ers (having lost the previous two meetings) to claim victory.
Stay flexible and adapt to unexpected developments. Injuries, team dynamics, and unforeseen events can dramatically shift the game's course. Remember, there's no foolproof formula for winning Super Bowl bets.
Applying these lessons, staying informed, and making intelligent decisions can increase your chances of having a rewarding and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.
Public Opinion is Not Always Right
The general public usually bets on favorites to win, occasionally resulting in unbalanced lines' movement. In Super Bowl 51, 71% of bets were on the New England Patriots (-3 points) to win.
However, the underdog Atlanta Falcons (+3 points) pulled off a stunning upset. This emphasizes how crucial independent analysis is. Don't just go with the crowd. Do your research, analyze trends, and trust your findings before placing a bet, even if it goes against the majority.
Super Bowl Betting Mistakes
You might make certain mistakes in an attempt to increase your chances of winning. It's easy to do, but it could end up costing you more money in the long run.
Among the mistakes that you need to watch out for are the following.
Chasing Losses
A common Super Bowl betting mistake to watch out for is chasing losses, especially during live betting. Chasing losses happens when you try to recover money lost in previous bets by placing bets more quickly.
For example, if you bet on a team and they lose, you might impulsively place another bet to recover your losses. However, this emotional decision-making can lead to more losses. It's important to stay composed and avoid making snap decisions to recover losses.
Contradicting Bets
This common mistake happens when you place bets against each other, essentially canceling each other out. For instance, bet on both teams to score next or on different outcomes in a single event. While it might seem like a way to cover all bases, it often leads to financial loss.
Contradicting bets can create confusion and leave you in a situation where you're guaranteed to lose money or, at best, break even.
Betting with Emotions
It's only natural for you to root for your preferred team, but placing a wager based only on feelings can result in a loss. You don't have to wager in favor of your favorite team just because they happen to be playing in an event.
Make decisions based on a factual analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of both teams as well as their past results.
Falling for "Sure Predictions"
There is no such thing as sure predictions - they are mostly scammers parading themselves as sellers of sure-predicted games. Do your research, understand the risks involved, and make informed decisions (place your bets) based on your analysis, not promises of easy money from scammers.
Ignoring Line Movement
The odds and spreads sometimes fluctuate based on factors like injuries, public betting trends, and expert predictions. Ignoring these changes may result in the loss of important chances. Following the movement of the line can give you insights into wise wagers and help you identify better value bets, even if it is not a 100% reliable approach.
How To Choose a Super Bowl Betting Site
Choosing the right site for your Super Bowl betting is essential - look for sites that resonate with you.
Below are some of the questions we ask when recommending Super Bowl betting sites:
Payment Options: Use a NFL betting site that has a payment option that is convenient for you. Also, ensure you sign up on sites with payment options that process payments faster. Fast payment options to look out for include PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and cryptocurrencies.
Bonuses and Promotions: Betting on sites with numerous bonuses and promotions could be exciting. Bonuses allow you to increase your bankroll and increase your chances of winning. Look for sites offering bonuses for new and existing users. The welcome offer could be free bets or a match deposit, which can help you place more bets without using your money.
Customer Support: Opt for sites offering reliable and responsive customer support services. Additionally, look for sites with multiple support channels, like live chat, email, or phone support. Check the availability of customer support during peak betting times, especially around the Super Bowl, to ensure you can get assistance if you need it.
Mobile Betting: Mobile betting allows you to bet on your favorite games on the go. Look for a site with a responsive mobile app that you can install and use while far away from your desktop.
Competitive Odds: Choosing a betting site with competitive odds helps maximize your potential winnings. Compare the odds different betting sites offer to ensure you get the best value for your bets. Competitive odds mean that the site is providing favorable payouts, increasing your potential profits if your bets are successful.
How Does the Super Bowl Work?
The following points cover some of the basic information on how the Super Bowl works.
How is the season structured?
Some key events in the NFL season lead up to the Super Bowl. Firstly, the preseason, when teams play exhibition games to hone their skills. Next is the regular season, which consists of 17 games for every team with a week break in between.
To advance to the playoffs, teams compete against other teams in their group. 14 teams - 7 from each group, compete in knockout matches throughout the playoffs until only two - one from the AFC and one from the NFC - remain. The big championship game, the Super Bowl, features these winners.
What’s the tournament format?
The Super Bowl competition uses a knockout or single-elimination style. Before the Super Bowl, teams compete in a series of elimination games throughout the playoffs. A team is eliminated from the competition if they lose a game in the playoffs.
When do you know who will participate?
The NFL playoffs determine who gets to play in the Super Bowl. The best teams from each conference play a series of knockout games in the playoffs. After these playoffs, the AFC and NFC winners are announced and will become eligible to participate in the Super Bowl.
Rules and Regulations for Super Bowl Betting
The most important rule is to only bet using your actual residential address. Sports betting is now legal in 38 states, and online sports betting in 30. If you're unsure of the legality in your state then we have a guide on exactly where online sports betting is legal.
As well as legality, some of the following rules will help you make the best of your Super Bowl bets.
Do not bet more than you can afford to lose
Be logical and not emotional - if the team you support is not in good form, then do well to avoid wagering on it
Set limits for your gambling - have a wagering limit and do not go beyond it, to help reduce your losses.
Do not chase losses
Only bet on the betting options you understand
Do not contradict your bets
Is It Legal to Bet on the Super Bowl In My State?
Whether it's legal to bet on the Super Bowl or not depends on your state of residence. Out of the 50 states in the US, mobile sports betting is legal in only 30 states. If you reside in any state where mobile sports betting is legal, you can wager on the Super Bowl event. If you're not sure, then this guide to legal online sports betting can shed some light on the topic
However, in-person sports betting is legal in 38 out of the 50 states of the US. If you are a resident of any legal state, you can walk into any offline betting shop and place your bet on the Super Bowl.
Staying Safe While Betting Online
Staying safe while betting online is crucial, that's why we only recommend betting sites with the relevant licenses. The following points contain some safety measures information that may help you.
How do I know a betting site is legit and safe?
You can verify a betting site's legitimacy and safety by checking if the site is licensed by a reputable body such as the Illinois Gaming Board. This is usually listed on the site's homepage. Legitimate sites use secure technology to keep your information safe.
What are some red flags I should be aware of?
When choosing a betting site, watch out for red flags like lack of proper licensing on the betting site - because most legit betting sites show this information on their homepage. Also, check if the site has a history of delayed or denied payouts by reading online reviews and users' feedback. Fast payments are often a sign of reliability. Additionally, avoid platforms with vague or unclear terms and conditions. Transparent policies are essential for a trustworthy betting experience.
What are the safest payment methods? Is it safe to use cryptocurrency?
So many payment options have proven to offer secure payment solutions to their users. Some of these methods, such as PayPal, Skrill, and Visa/Mastercard. These are available on many US betting sites.
Cryptocurrency is also gaining traction as a safe payment method in the US. It is built on blockchain technology, which has proven to be secure and fast in processing transactions. You should note that fewer sportsbooks accept cryptocurrency as a payment method.
Should I use additional safety software while betting?
Since most regulated and licensed betting sites use the most recent security systems to safeguard their websites, you do not need to use additional software when betting. Use secure passwords on your betting account, and you are ready to go.
Super Bowl Betting Terminology
The following words are some Super Bowl-related terminologies often used by sportsbooks and bettors.
Point spread: It levels the playing field by giving the underdog team a head start (positive points) or requiring the favorite team to win by a certain margin (negative points). For instance, if the Bengals are +3 underdogs against the Rams, they can lose by up to 2 points and still win your bet.
Totals (Over/Under): Instead of picking the winner, you can also predict the combined score of both teams to be higher (over) or lower (under) than a set number.
Prop Bet: These are wagers on specific events within the game, like the first touchdown scorer, total passing yards by a particular player, or even the color of the Gatorade bath for the winning coach.
Futures: These are long-term bets you place before the season or playoffs, predicting events like which team will win the Super Bowl, the MVP, or specific conference champions. They offer higher potential payouts but require accurate foresight and experience.
Teaser: This is very similar to a point spread, but you can adjust the point spread in your favor (buy points) or against (sell points) for both teams in exchange for a lower payout. This can be beneficial if you're unsure about the exact margin of victory or want to "hedge" your bets.
Responsible gambling is a crucial aspect of the gaming industry, and several organizations and charities are working tirelessly to promote safe and responsible gambling practices. In this table, we have compiled some of the top responsible gambling organizations and charities in the US that are committed to helping individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
| Organization | Contacts |
|---|---|
| National Council on Problem Gambling | Official Website |
| New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) | Official Website |
| Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board | Official Website |
| NYS Gaming Commission | Official Website |
| American Gaming Association | Official Website |
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