As the countdown to Super Bowl Sunday intensifies, Americans are gearing up not only for the gridiron showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers but also for an unprecedented surge in betting activity. With the game set to make history as it unfolds in Las Vegas for the first time, the stage is set for a spectacle both on and off the field.
According to the American Gaming Association, a staggering 68 million American adults are projected to place bets on this year’s Super Bowl, marking a 35% increase from last year’s numbers. The total amount wagered is estimated to reach a mind-boggling $23.1 billion, reflecting the growing popularity and accessibility of sports betting across the nation.
Fueling this surge in betting enthusiasm are the myriad of novelty wagers offered by sportsbooks, ranging from the quirky to the downright bizarre. Among the most attention-grabbing propositions are the Taylor Swift-themed props, which have captured the imagination of fans and bettors alike.
DraftKings Sportsbook has unveiled a special section dubbed “For The Swifties,” featuring bets inspired by the pop sensation’s songs and albums. From “Blank Space: Travis Kelce to Score an Octopus” to “Anti-Hero: Brock Purdy With 250 Passing Yards And Two Passing Touchdowns,” these unique props offer enticing odds and a dash of musical flair to the Super Bowl betting experience.
But the eccentricity doesn’t end there. For those with a penchant for the unpredictable, there’s the tantalizing prospect of a “Scorigami” – a final score that has never occurred in an NFL game. DraftKings has set the odds of this rare occurrence at +2000, promising a substantial payout for those bold enough to wager on football history in the making.
Meanwhile, the color of the winning coach’s Gatorade bath has emerged as another hot topic of speculation. BetMGM favors purple as the most likely hue at +275, followed closely by orange and blue. However, FanDuel bucks the trend, placing orange Gatorade as the favorite at +240, with yellow-lime and purple trailing behind.
Adding to the excitement are prop bets on the opening coin toss and the jersey number of the player to score the first touchdown. With odds fluctuating across different sportsbooks, bettors have ample opportunity to strategize and capitalize on their predictions.
Reflecting on past Super Bowl traditions, the significance of Gatorade color cannot be overstated. Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their victory with a shower of purple Gatorade, while in 2020, orange reigned supreme. The color scheme took a surprising turn in 2021 when blue Gatorade drenched the winning coach, marking a departure from the expected.
The unprecedented surge in Super Bowl betting can be attributed to several factors, according to the American Gaming Association. The historic setting of Las Vegas, combined with the expanded legalization of sports betting in 38 states and the District of Columbia, has created a perfect storm of enthusiasm and opportunity for bettors nationwide.
As the countdown to kickoff ticks away, anticipation is reaching fever pitch among fans and bettors alike. With an array of quirky props and tantalizing odds on offer, this year’s Super Bowl promises to be a spectacle like no other, both on the field and in the sportsbooks.
In the end, whether it’s a Taylor Swift-inspired wager or a bold bet on Gatorade color, one thing is certain: Super Bowl LIX will be a game to remember, with fortunes hanging in the balance with each pass, tackle, and touchdown.
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