A recent study conducted by the American Gaming Association is projecting unprecedented levels of betting ahead of Super Bowl LVIII. The survey forecasts a staggering 67.8 million American adults will engage in betting activities related to the event, wagering an estimated total of $23.1 billion. These figures indicate a significant surge from the previous year, with a 35% increase in the number of bettors and a leap from the $16 billion gambled in 2023.
Anticipated to be held in the iconic Las Vegas—America’s gambling epicenter—Super Bowl LVIII could see the highest-ever amounts staked in its history.
The NFL’s recent collaborations with sportsbooks have proved tremendously lucrative, aligning well with the sports culture despite most forms of sports betting being illegal across much of the United States until 2018.
Historically, an association with gambling was a circumstance the NFL looked to avoid, seeking to preserve the sport’s image from corruption experienced by other leagues. High-profile suspensions, like those of Paul Hornung from the Green Bay Packers and Alex Karras from the Detroit Lions after admitting to gambling on NFL games, highlight the league’s former efforts against betting affiliations.
However, this standpoint has evolved over time. The hiring of James “Jimmy the Greek” Snyder, a bookmaker and columnist, by CBS in 1976 was a notable signpost of changing attitudes. Appointed to “The NFL Today,” Snyder’s role was to inform viewers of betting lines, recognizing the interest millions had in the gambling aspects connected to upcoming games.
This year, as the spectacle of the Super Bowl converges once more with the practice of betting, the records poised to be set reflect an enduring and evolving relationship between the two American pastimes.
