On February 8, the biggest game in US sports will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. You can be sure that Super Bowl LX will be a spectacular show, regardless of the game’s quality. It is a huge cultural event, with interest drawn from everything from the Halftime Show to the expensive advertisements during the broadcast.
As you might expect, the Super Bowl is also a huge betting event. In fact, it’s the biggest single-event betting market in the US, even beating out horse races like the Kentucky Derby. Estimates vary, but last year, around $1.39 billion was bet on the Super Bowl, and with more liberalization of individual states’ betting laws, that figure could easily be surpassed in 2026.
But while experienced high rollers will place large bets on the outcome of the game, the Super Bowl will also see a huge number of casual bettors and first-timers placing smaller wagers. And for them, the first order of business is choosing a sportsbook. Below, we provide some guidance on what you should be looking for:
Competitive Odds
If you’ve made your picks for the game, then shop around to find the best odds for the Super Bowl game. Sportsbooks will not always agree on the price for each market, so it’s worth doing some research to ensure that you’ve gotten the best price for your pick.
Look for Market Choice
Betting on the winner of the Super Bowl is not the only thing on offer. You can, of course, bet on the spread (teams winning or losing based on a theoretical handicap) and total points.
But top Super Bowl sportsbooks will have hundreds of potential markets, so make sure that they offer the specific thing you want to bet on.
A Sportsbook License
US gambling laws vary by state, with many have different rules on where and how you can bet. It all comes back to the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling on sports betting, which allowed individual states to decide their own rules. Some states are still deciding. Check out sportsbooks that have a license to operate in your state.
Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks
Platforms like Twitch often showcase betting and gaming services, sometimes related to cryptocurrency, that are based offshore and outside the United States’ jurisdiction. Try to avoid these sites that require a VPN for access. It’s not that they are bad actors, but you will not be afforded the legal protections you would have if the platform were licensed in the US.
A Reliable Website and App
Top sportsbooks will offer services like live betting on the Super Bowl, which has become increasingly common as bettors seek to react to changes in momentum during the game. Yet, the last thing you want is to find that the app goes down during the game, or that live betting markets are constantly suspended. Look at reviews for the best sportsbooks for live betting to help make your choice.
Bonuses and Promotions
As mentioned, the Super Bowl is a crucial time for sportsbooks, as the big game is a gateway for new customers. As such, they will often provide incentives – free bets, bonus bets, etc. – to get you onboard. Again, shop around to find the best deal that matches your betting style.
Responsible Betting Tools
The best sportsbooks help you play within your limits, allowing you to set controls of how much you deposit, bet, and so on. These are useful tools that let you enjoy the platform without getting too carried away with betting. The top Super Bowl sportsbooks will always offer these responsible betting tools.
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