Super Bowl betting expected to set records, AGA says

Super Bowl LVI is expected to set records for bettors and money wagered, the American Gaming Association said Wednesday (Feb 9).

A total of 31.4 million Americans, up 35 per cent from last year, are expected to wager on the NFL championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to AGA research.

It estimates that US$7.61 billion will be wagered on the game, up 78 per cent from the US$3.33 billion that was bet last year on the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.

According to the AGA, 55 per cent of bettors plan to wager on the Rams, who will be playing at home in SoFi Stadium, with 45 per cent planning to bet on the Bengals.

The AGA said its research shows that 18.2 million Americans are expected to place a Super Bowl wager online, at a retail sportsbook or with a bookie, up 78 per cent from last year.

Also, 18.5 million plan to bet casually with friends or as part of a pool or squares contest, up 23 per cent year over year.

The research also noted that 76 per cent said bettors feel it is important for them to bet through a legal operator; that figure is up 11 per cent from last year.

"The results are clear: Americans have never been more interested in legal sports wagering," AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said.

"The growth of legal options across the country not only protects fans and the integrity of games and bets but also puts illegal operators on notice that their time is limited."

Sports betting is live and legal in 30 states and Washington DC Since Super Bowl LV, an additional 45 million more Americans can legally wager in their home state.

Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and