
Super Bowl LIX is fast approaching, with the Kansas City Chiefs set to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
If you're new to betting and looking to get involved in the excitement of the Super Bowl, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials to get started.
First We Need To Look at How NFL Betting Works in General
If you're planning to bet on the Super Bowl, you need to understand some key concepts of betting the NFL first.
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1. Moneyline Bets
What Is It?
A moneyline bet is the simplest form of NFL wagering. You pick which team you think will win the game outright.
How Does It Work?
- Favorites: Indicated by a minus sign (e.g., -150). This means you need to bet $150 to win $100.
- Underdogs: Indicated by a plus sign (e.g., +200). A $100 bet would win you $200.
Example:
If the New England Patriots are -150 favorites against the Miami Dolphins (+200):
- A $150 bet on the Patriots would yield £100 profit if they win.
- A $100 bet on the Dolphins would yield £200 profit if they win.
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2. Point Spread Bets
What Is It?
Point spread betting levels the playing field by assigning a margin of points that the favored team must win by.
How Does It Work?
- Favorites: Must win by more than the specified points (e.g., -3.5 means they need to win by 4 or more).
- Underdogs: Can win outright or lose by less than the specified points to cover the spread.
Example:
If the Dallas Cowboys are favored by 3.5 points over the Philadelphia Eagles:
- A bet on the Cowboys wins if they win by 4 or more points.
- A bet on the Eagles wins if they win outright or lose by 3 or fewer points.
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3. Over/Under (Total Points) Bets
What Is It?
Also known as totals betting, you wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.
How Does It Work?
- The sportsbook sets a total points line (e.g., 45.5 points).
- You bet on whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number.
Example:
If the over/under for a game is 45.5 points:
- Betting the Over wins if the combined score is 46 or more.
- Betting the Under wins if the combined score is 45 or less.
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4. Prop Bets (Proposition Bets)
What Is It?
Wagers on specific events within a game that don't necessarily affect the final outcome.
How Does It Work?
- Examples include betting on which player will score the first touchdown, the number of passing yards a quarterback will have, or even the result of the coin toss.
Example:
Betting that a specific player will score the first touchdown of the game.
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5. Futures Bets
What Is It?
Long-term bets placed on events that will be decided in the future.
How Does It Work?
- Examples include betting on which team will win the Super Bowl, who will be the MVP, or which teams will make the playoffs.
Example:
- Placing a bet at the beginning of the season on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.
Choosing a Sportsbook
If there is just one tip we can give you in this guide, it would be to make sure you choose a reputable sportsbook. Bodog is our favorite online casino in Canada for betting the Super Bowl. But if you prefer to look around first, we have a list here.
What's the Difference Between Betting on the Super Bowl and Regular NFL Games?
Betting on the Super Bowl differs from wagering on regular NFL games in several key aspects:
Volume and Variety of Betting Options
- Regular Season: During the NFL regular season, bettors typically engage with standard wagers such as point spreads, moneylines, and over/under totals. While prop bets are available, they are usually limited in scope.
- Super Bowl: The Super Bowl amplifies betting opportunities significantly. Beyond traditional bets, sportsbooks offer an extensive array of prop bets, ranging from player performances to entertainment aspects like the halftime show or the length of the national anthem. This expansion caters to both serious bettors and casual participants looking to enhance their viewing experience.
Public Influence on Betting Lines
- Regular Season: Betting lines during the regular season are primarily influenced by informed bettors who follow team performances, injuries, and other pertinent factors.
- Super Bowl: The Super Bowl attracts a vast audience, including many casual bettors. This influx can lead to significant line movements based on public sentiment rather than analytical assessments, potentially creating value opportunities for discerning bettors.
Market Efficiency and Information Availability
- Regular Season: With multiple games each week, sportsbooks may allocate less focus to each matchup, occasionally resulting in less efficient lines that savvy bettors can exploit.
- Super Bowl: Given its prominence, the Super Bowl receives meticulous attention from oddsmakers. The abundance of information and analysis available leads to highly efficient markets, making it more challenging to find advantageous lines.
Emotional and Recreational Betting
- Regular Season: While fan loyalty influences some betting, regular-season wagers are generally more analytical, with bettors focusing on statistics and performance metrics.
- Super Bowl: The event's cultural significance prompts a surge in recreational betting. Many individuals place bets for entertainment, often based on team allegiance or novelty, rather than strategic considerations.
Betting Volume and Stakes
- Regular Season: Bettors often manage their bankrolls over the course of the season, placing consistent, measured wagers.
- Super Bowl: The singular nature of the Super Bowl encourages higher betting volumes, with some bettors willing to stake more than usual. The plethora of betting options, including numerous prop bets, also entices bettors to diversify their wagers.
Tips for Beginners
- Start Simple: Begin with straightforward bets like moneyline or point spread before exploring more complex wagers.
- Do Your Research: Look into team statistics, player performances, injuries, and other relevant information.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for how much you're willing to risk and stick to it.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with NFL news, as factors like weather and player injuries can influence game outcomes.