[toc]On Wednesday, February 3, the American Gaming Association (AGA) released the results of a survey which it commissioned on sports betting in the U.S.
The survey data stated that 80 percent of Americans that plan to watch the Super Bowl would like to see the United States change its stance on sports betting laws. Sixty-six percent of the total surveyed group stated that they believe it should be up to individual states to legalize sports betting.
The Mellman Group conducted the research study at the request of the AGA. The AGA is doing its best to lobby the federal government to allow states to make their own decisions on sports betting. Currently, there are only four states that are exempt from U.S. federal anti-gambling laws, and only Nevada offers the full scope of sports betting options that gamblers in most parts of the globe are accustomed to.
Furthermore, most Super Bowl viewers believe that regulated sports wagering would actually benefit consumers and the integrity of games – an opinion in sharp contrast to what most anti-gaming advocates would suggest the public believes.
The American Gaming Association has begun tweeting ads targeting the consumer desire for change:
In 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was passed, barring sports betting in all but four states. The states exempt from the restrictions are Delaware, Nevada, Montana, and Oregon.
Geoff Freeman, CEO of the AGA, spoke about why the U.S needs legally regulated sports betting in a press release:
“America’s passion for football is rivaled only by its enthusiasm for sports betting. Fans believe regulated sports betting enhances the game experience, deepens their engagement with their favorite athletes and teams and protects the integrity of games.”
Problems that illegal sports betting can cause
The American Gaming Association estimates that over $4.1 billion in illegal wagers will be placed on Super Bowl 50, set to kick off on Sunday. The estimation for what the sportsbooks could generate legally is terribly grim by comparison.
The AGA believes that about $100 million in wagers will be placed on the game legally in Las Vegas this year. Last year, Nevada sportsbooks saw $115.98 million in action on Super Bowl 49.
Alongside the huge flow of untaxed cash comes an increased opportunity for crime and problem gambling.
Strange Super Bowl props
Every year, some sports fans take their Super Bowl betting to the next level with prop bets. Not only are lines offered on every second of the game, but there are also lines for when and if Peyton Manning will shed tears.
Here are some of the most ridiculous bets we could find at a few of our favorite sportsbooks.
Ladbrokes
Super Bowl 50 novelty bets available at Ladbrokes:
- First Coldplay Song?
- Adventure of a Lifetime 9/4
- Sky Full of Stars 9/2
- Clocks 9/2
- Viva La Vida 5/1
- Wardrobe malfunction in half time show?
- Yes 25/1
- Length of U.S. National Anthem?
- Over 132.5 5/6
- Under 132.5 5/6
- Will Left Shark appear on stage in half time show?
- Yes 16/1
- Blackout during the Super Bowl?
- Yes 10/1
Bet365
Novelty wagers at Bet365 are a bit sparse, but plenty of other bets are available that you won’t find on any other game all year:
- Who will win the coin toss?
- CAR Panthers 1.83
- DEN Broncos 1.83
- Longest pass completion
- Cam Newton – Over 38.5 / 1.80 Under 38.5 / 1.86
- Peyton Manning – Over 36.5 / 1.76 Under 36.5 / 1.90
- Who will score in the 1st quarter?
- CAR Panthers – Yes 1.44 No 2.62
- DEN Broncos – Yes 1.90 No 1.80
- Total Sacks
- Over 5.5 / 2.10
- Under 5.5 / 1.66
