The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the calendar year, and it’s not even close. The Big Game brings more eyeballs to the tube year after year than anything else. Using the 2019 Super Bowl as an example, a whopping 98.2 million viewers tuned in to see the New England Patriots conquer the Los Angeles Rams.
The action isn’t relegated to what transpires on the field either. Betting activity on the Super Bowl is through the roof, and it will only continue to grow in the coming years as additional states legalize online sports betting.
It’s not too hard to see why. Setting up an account with reputable and licensed operators is a quick and painless process. Once users sign up, they have the freedom to bet when and where they want within state lines. In addition, online and mobile options are a must for anyone hoping to take advantage of live betting opportunities during the game itself.
Live betting continues to grow, but the standard Super Bowl bets will attract the majority of the action. Also, online sportsbooks go above and beyond with Super Bowl prop bets, so you certainly won’t be lacking for choices. For everything you need to know about betting on the game itself, read on.
Where to Bet on the 2021 Super Bowl
Get $150
For Super Bowl LIII, it was estimated that $325 million was legally wagered on the game in the United States. On a worldwide basis, it’s estimated that a staggering $6 billion was bet through both legal and illegal means.
Early estimates on legal betting for the 2021 Super Bowl in the US call for it to exceed the numbers posted for last year’s edition. That seems like a safe assumption, as additional states have climbed on board and given a green light to sports betting.
In states in which legal sports betting is up and running with both retail and online options, it’ll be incredibly interesting to see how the numbers come in. While there are plenty of folks who like the experience of betting in person at a brick and mortar location, scores of users are taking their business online to safe and regulated operators.
Is it Legal to Bet on the Super Bowl?
In May 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States finally weighed in on a long-running case surrounding the legality of sports betting. As the justices saw it, the matter was up to the individual states to decide for themselves.
The floodgates opened quickly. The state of New Jersey was quick to act, and many more followed. Today, the legal environment around sports betting remains fluid. In short, a number of states have acted and have thriving sports betting industries as a result.
Several more are on a path towards doing so, while others are still in the legislative phase.
Top 5 Super Bowl Betting Sites
Betting on sports in the legalized states could not be simpler. There are retail locations for those who prefer to conduct their business in person, as well as easy to use online and mobile betting apps.
We have put each and every one of them through their paces to find the best of the best when it comes to betting on the Super Bowl. If you’re ready to open up an account online via the web or on your mobile device in a legalized state, here are sportsbooks we recommend. We’ve sorted this list by states that offer online sports betting.
If you live outside of NJ, WV, IN, IL, IA, CO or PA, you do have the option of playing DFS.
If you’re close to state lines, you can also download one of the sportsbook apps below, signup and take a drive across the border to place your bet.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook – $50 Bonus Bet
Daily fantasy sports giant DraftKings has expanded its operations into sports betting. The company has emerged as one of the top online and mobile sportsbook operators. Users who sign up via our exclusive links will be entitled to a $50 bonus bet when they deposit, as well as a 20% up to $1,000 on that first deposit.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook – Up to $150 Bonus Bet
FanDuel is another DFS giant which has also gone all in with sports betting. The company’s online and mobile options have quickly raced to the top of the charts in legalized states. To sign up for an account, simply click on our exclusive links to begin the simple process and you’ll be entitled to a bonus bet of up to $150.
3. FOX Bet Sportsbook – Bonus Bet up to $500
Media giant FOX Sports has joined forces with betting titan The Stars Group to throw its hat into the sports betting ring. The end result is FOX Bet, a platform which has received excellent reviews and which receives plenty of attention on FOX broadcasts. Users who sign up via our exclusive links qualify for up to $500 as a bonus bet. Note: Must opt-in on promotions page to claim your bonus bet within 7 days of registering your account. Make sure to place your first bet within a week to qualify.
4. Unibet Sportsbook – Bonus Bet up to $500
Unibet is a well-known brand in international circles, and the company has now spread its wings into the legal US sports betting market. The company is known for an easy to use platform which has been a big hit with both online and mobile users. Signing up via our exclusive links entitles you to an up to $500 bonus bet.
5. BetRivers Online Sportsbook – 2nd Chance bet up to $500
BetRivers is an online and mobile offering from Rush Street Gaming, a respected operator of physical casinos in a number of states. It has become well-known in the betting community for offering a top notch rewards program. Users who sign up via our exclusive links and use the code OGSRIV will receive a 2nd chance bet up to $500.
Betting on Super Bowl 56 in Canada or Europe
Wagering on the Super Bowl is not a US-only activity. International users are captivated by the Big Game as well, and it’s not just from an action on the field perspective. A ton of money is bet on the Super Bowl across the globe.
Bettors in the European and Canadian markets have several options at their disposal, but two platforms stand head and shoulders above the rest.
During our tests, we found both platforms to be easy on the eyes and simple to use. Creating an account is a snap, as are functions such as placing bets and adding or removing funds. If you’re outside of the US and looking to bet on Super Bowl LIV, give Betway and Bet365 a try.
Best Free 2021 Super Bowl Contests
The Super Bowl is big business for sportsbook operators, and they pull out all the stops to keep users engaged. Finding a spot to place your bets won’t be an issue, and you will find that there are a whole host of opportunities to choose from. Operators also aren’t shy about offering up free to play contests in a bid to garner even more attention.
Using the 2019 Super Bowl as an example, FanDuel offered a Big Game Bingo game which generated headlines. Users who registered to play were given a card which was filled out based on what happened on the field. Those who scored Bingo won real prizes.
DraftKings offered its take on the popular Squares game which users flock to for the Super Bowl. Users were assigned square with corresponding numbers, and those who had winning squares at the end of the quarters, half, and game won prizes.
Looking ahead to Super Bowl LIV, we can expect more of the same from the two giants. In addition, don’t be surprised if other operators attempt to make a splash in a bid to steal some thunder. That includes Fox Bet, as the game just so happens to be broadcast on Fox this year.
How to Read 2021 Super Bowl Odds
For the uninitiated, a first glance at Super Bowl odds can leave them feeling intimidated. On the bright side, the same can be said for how plenty of other folks felt the first time they lined up to place a bet.
Familiarity breeds comfort, and the same applies with betting odds. Once you understand the basics, you won’t feel so intimidated any longer. In fact, you’ll be able to take a gander at a set of odds and quickly understand what’s what with just a little bit of practice.
For Super Bowl betting odds, you need to understand that there are three main components to the lines for the game itself.
- Moneyline: These odds are based on which team is favored and which is the underdog. Users can place bets on the side of their choice.
- Spread: To make things even more interesting – and to even out the action – oddsmakers will install a points spread on the game. The team expected to win will be favored by a set number of points. Bettors then decide if they like the favorite ‘minus’ the points or the underdog ‘plus’ the points.
- Totals: Oddsmakers place a benchmark total on the game which represents an expected combined total number of points from the two teams. Bettors can place their bets on whether they expect the total points to be ‘Over’ or ‘Under’ that number.
To further illustrate, let’s take a look at each using a fictitious matchup involving Team A and Team B. In this scenario, Team A is favored to win the game and the odds have been sert accordingly. Oddsmakers have placed a spread of 2.5 points on the game, and set the total at 51 points. Here’s what you’ll see on the odds board on the platform of your choice.
- Moneyline: Team A -150, Team B +125
- Spread: Team A -2.5 (-110), Team B +2.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 51 (-110), Under 51 (-110)
For the moneyline, the odds are set so that users can understand at a glance the favorite and underdog. Odds for favorites will have a minus sign in front, while underdog odds will have a positive. On online and mobile sportsbooks, users can make their selection and plug in the amount of their bet to see the expected return.
On spreads and totals, standard odds are set at -110 at most operators, but there can be a few ticks of difference here and there. For a $100 bet, a successful wager at odds of -110 will provide a return of $190.90.
When looking at the odds for Super Bowl LIV, start with the basics and work your way out. Once you have a handle on the three main line components above, start digging into props and get ready for live betting opportunities.
On those wagers, you’ll find odds listed in the same format with a + or – designation, so you’ll be able to understand what you’re looking at much more quickly after mastering the basics.
Super Bowl Live and In-Play Betting
After Super Bowl LIV kicks off, there will still be plenty of betting opportunities. Live betting has been one of the biggest innovations in the sports betting industry in recent years. It has proven to be a hit with users, and all of the major operators will be offering a plethora of opportunities during the Big Game.
Here are some of the bet types which you can expect to find:
- Total points scored in the second quarter of the game.
- Which team will score more points in the second half?
- How many passing yards will Player X throw for in the third quarter?
- Which player will score the next TD?
- The result of the next drive will be: TD, FG, Turnover, or Punt.
These are just a few examples. You won’t be lacking for opportunities. Even better, all of the major operators make live betting easily accessible for both mobile and online users with dedicated links and clear navigation.
What Types of Bets Can You Place on the Super Bowl
As Super Bowl LIV approaches, there will be plenty of chatter about the game lines, the favorite and underdog, and the total points that may be scored in the game itself.
After you’ve digested all of the information you can, there’s a good chance you’ll want to express your informed opinion.
In states in which sports betting has been legalized, doing so can be as easy as a few clicks online or via the mobile device of your choice.
Here are the main types of bets you can place on the Super Bowl and an explanation for each.
How to Bet the Moneyline on the Super Bowl
These are the simplest bets you’ll find. You are simply choosing who will win the game between the favorite and underdog. Odds will be placed on each side of the equation with the favored side having negative odds, and positive odds on the side of the favorite.
How to Bet the Spread on the Super Bowl
These bets are a little more complex and take some getting used. Oddsmakers will attach a point spread to the game which will represent how much the favorite is expected to win by. In order to win these best, you must decide which side will ‘cover’ the spread. For the favorite, they would have to win by a margin greater than the spread. The underdog can lose and you can still win, as long as they keep the margin of victory less than the spread.
How to Bet Totals on the Super Bowl
In addition to the spread, oddsmakers will place a projected total on the game for users to decide on. On this type of bet, bettors are tasked with deciding if the total points scored in the game will go Over or Under a benchmark total.
After you have a handle on your main bets for Super Bowl LIV, you can begin reviewing what will be a lengthy menu of prop bets.
Super Bowl Prop Bets
Prop bets are essentially side wagers on events that may or may not occur during the game. They’re a regular part of the betting menu for virtually every game that’s available for wagers, but sportsbooks really kick it up a notch come Super Bowl time.
You will find hundreds of different opportunities to consider at all of the major operators. Many will revolve around player and team performance, while others will be on more random events, such as:
- The length of the national anthem performance.
- The result of the coin flip at the start of the game – heads or tails.
- The color of Gatorade which will be used for celebration on the winning sideline.
While those bets may seem quirky, they attract a ton of attention and make for a great way for even casual observers to become more engaged with the Big Game.
On the more serious side, you’ll find a prop bet available for nearly every situation imaginable, including the following:
- Will there be a defensive score in the game?
- Player to score the first touchdown.
- Which QB will accumulate the most passing yards in the game.
And so on and so on. The Super Bowl is the biggest betting event of the calendar year, and countless wagering opportunities abound as a result.
Avoid These Super Bowl Bets
As a simple rule of thumb, you should place bets on what you can make a reasonable determination on, and avoid the ones which you don’t have a good feel for or lack knowledge on. Said another way, stay in your lane.
While that may seem like a no brainer to some, it’s a message that’s worth repeating come Super Bowl time. The excitement of the run-up to the Big Game can lead to strong feelings and passion. For some, that can translate into additional bets being placed which simply have no business being made.
For some general advice, start with the main bet types and work your way down. Consider the moneyline, spread, and total. Are you comfortable with any or all of them? Place bets on the ones you like, and don’t be shy about passing on the ones you don’t feel comfortable with.
Next, it’s time to tackle the lengthy prop betting list. It can be real easy to fall down the rabbit hole here. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed or feel that you need to bet on dozens and dozens of different props to give yourself a better chance to win.
Instead, review the list and find the ones that you consider at least a little intriguing. From there, cut the list down even further to the ones you’re most comfortable with. Now that you have a shorter list, research the different opportunities and select the ones you feel best about.
If you happen to like one of the oddball ones such as the coin flip, don’t be afraid to include them on your list. Just remember that these bets are also aimed at entertaining casual bettors and should be treated as such.
Legal Events You Can Bet On in the US
Super Bowl Betting Tips
Betting on the Super Bowl should be a fun – and hopefully profitable – experience. To help make that happen, it’s a good idea to approach handicapping and betting on the Big Game with some clear rules in mind.
Don’t be swayed too heavily by public opinion
Not everyone sees everything the same way. If you like the underdog while everyone else likes the favorite – or vice versa – stick to your guns. Just be sure that you have sound reasoning for placing those bets.
Don’t get overwhelmed with picks and prognostications
There will be picks and opinions about the game itself everywhere you turn. Some will be correct, some will be way off, and others will be in the middle. Remember: there are no soothsayers out there. Find some respected sources that you trust and use them to help form your opinion. Then tune out the rest of the noise, place your bets, and enjoy the game.
Bet within your comfort level
Avoid the temptation to bet over your head for the Super Bowl, especially for those new to betting. The Big Game is exciting, and having some skin in the game can help to enhance that. However, the excitement can turn a different way when the game is in the books and the bets haven’t worked out in your favor. Bet within your budget. You can always increase size in the future when you have the bank roll to justify it.
Keep these three tidbits in mind as Super Bowl LIV approaches, and be sure to add to the list of rules you intend to follow as needed. After all, coaches on both sidelines will have a clear game plan entering the Big Game. Doing the same for yourself can make the Super Bowl an even more enjoyable experience.