The Super Bowl and Sports Betting: A Look at the History in the United States

February 04th 2023

The Super Bowl, the biggest annual sporting event in the United States, is not just a celebration of American football, but also an opportunity for fans to place bets on the outcome of the game. Sports betting has been a part of the Super Bowl experience for decades, and its history is intertwined with the evolution of the NFL and the cultural significance of the event. In this blog, we will explore the history of Super Bowl sports betting in the United States.

The Early Years of Super Bowl Betting:

The first Super Bowl was played on January 15th, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the early years of the Super Bowl, sports betting was limited to illegal bookmakers and underground operations.
The widespread popularity of the Super Bowl, combined with the lack of regulation and enforcement, created a thriving black market for Super Bowl betting.

The Emergence of Legal Sports Betting:

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was enacted to regulate sports betting in the United States.
PASPA made sports betting illegal in all but four states (Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana).
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting and open up new revenue streams.

The Growth of Super Bowl Betting:

The legalization of sports betting has led to a surge in Super Bowl betting activity in the United States.
According to the American Gaming Association, an estimated $7.2 billion was bet on the 2020 Super Bowl, with 97% of that being wagered illegally.
The rise of online and mobile sports betting has made it easier than ever for fans to place bets on the Super Bowl, and many states now offer legal and regulated sports betting options.

The Future of Super Bowl Betting:

The growth of sports betting in the United States is expected to continue, with more states expected to legalize and regulate the activity.
The Super Bowl will likely remain one of the most popular events for sports betting, with millions of fans placing bets on the outcome of the game.
The NFL has taken a more accepting stance towards sports betting in recent years, recognizing the potential for increased revenue and fan engagement.

Conclusion:

The history of Super Bowl sports betting in the United States is a reflection of the changing attitudes towards gambling and the growth of the NFL as a cultural institution. From its early roots in illegal bookmaking operations, to the widespread popularity of legal and regulated sports betting, the Super Bowl has been a key player in the evolution of sports betting in the United States. As the future of sports betting continues to evolve, the Super Bowl will likely remain one of the biggest events for fans to place bets on, and a crucial part of the annual sports betting landscape in the United States.