The estimated total amount to be wagered on this year’s Super Bowl is a staggering $23.1 billion, marking a 35% increase from the previous record of $16 billion set last year. The figures released by the association include bets placed with legal outlets, illegal bookies, and online operations outside the United States.
Legal sports betting has seen widespread acceptance, with 38 states plus Washington, D.C., allowing sports wagering. This increased accessibility, coupled with the allure of the Super Bowl, has contributed to the surge in betting interest.
One notable factor driving interest in this year’s Super Bowl is the romance between Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift. Analysts believe that the “Taylor Swift effect” may be influencing the total number of people watching and betting on the game, as Swift’s immense popularity transcends traditional sports fandom.
Approximately 73% of adults have expressed their intention to watch the game, marking a 10% increase from previous years. Cait DeBaun, a vice president with the American Gaming Association, notes that Swift’s influence, along with the compelling matchup, the game’s location in Las Vegas, and the expanding availability of legal sports betting in the U.S., are contributing factors to the heightened interest in betting on this year’s Super Bowl.
The survey conducted by the association reveals that the largest group, comprising 42.7 million adults, plans to place wagers online (legally or illegally), at retail sportsbooks, or with illegal bookies, reflecting a 41% increase from the previous year. Another 36.5 million adults plan to engage in casual betting with friends, pools, or squares contests, indicating a 32% increase.
Bettors are almost evenly divided on the game’s outcome, with 47% planning to bet on the Kansas City Chiefs and 44% on the San Francisco 49ers, according to the survey.
While the Super Bowl brings excitement and anticipation, groups addressing compulsive gambling concerns are urging bettors to set limits, only wager what they can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses with additional bets. The widespread availability of in-game bets poses particular challenges, and organizations like the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ emphasize responsible gambling practices.
(Inputs from agencies)
