The Super Bowl is the biggest betting event of the year. More money is wagered on this single game than any other sporting event. Here's how to navigate it as an Ohio bettor—from main lines to the wildest props.
Super Bowl Betting Markets
The Main Lines
Super Bowl spread, moneyline, and total are the most efficient lines in all of sports. Two weeks of analysis, unlimited sharp money, and maximum public attention create an extremely sharp market. If you think you've found an edge on the spread, you probably haven't.
Player Props
Player props are where casual bettors have the best chance of finding value. Books can't price hundreds of props as precisely as the main lines. Popular Super Bowl props include:
- Passing yards (over/under)
- Rushing yards (over/under)
- Receiving yards (over/under)
- Touchdowns scored (over/under or anytime scorer)
- First touchdown scorer
- MVP award winner
Game Props
Non-player props on game events:
- First team to score
- First scoring play type (TD, FG, safety)
- Total touchdowns
- Longest touchdown
- Will there be a safety?
- Will there be overtime?
- Margin of victory
Prop lines vary significantly between sportsbooks. Patrick Mahomes passing yards might be 285.5 at FanDuel and 290.5 at DraftKings. Always shop before betting props.
Novelty Props (Entertainment Only)
Super Bowl novelty props are entertainment bets—not serious wagers. They include:
- Coin toss result (heads/tails)
- National anthem length (over/under)
- Gatorade color poured on winning coach
- Halftime show song selections
- First commercial aired
Novelty props carry massive juice (often -120 or worse on both sides) and are based on outcomes no one can predict. They're fun for $5 bets with friends but terrible for your bankroll. The house edge is enormous.
Historical Super Bowl Trends
| Trend | Sample | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Underdogs ATS | Last 20 Super Bowls | 55% cover |
| Unders | Last 20 Super Bowls | 57% hit |
| NFC vs AFC | Last 10 Super Bowls | 6-4 AFC |
| Favorites SU | Last 20 Super Bowls | 60% win |
The underdog/under trends are well-documented and mostly priced in by now. But they persist for a reason: Super Bowls tend to be tighter than expected, and defenses show up for the biggest game.
Super Bowl Sunday Strategy
Before the Game
- Lock in main bets early: If you have a position, take it before lines move on game day
- Shop all props: Prop lines vary wildly—check at least 3 sportsbooks
- Set a budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend on entertainment bets vs. serious wagers
- Download backup apps: Servers can crash on Super Bowl Sunday—have options
During the Game
Live betting the Super Bowl is chaotic. Lines move fast, apps can lag, and emotions run high. If you live bet:
- Have multiple apps open
- Focus on one or two angles, not everything
- Don't chase early results
- Remember: live betting lines are less efficient than pregame
Super Bowl Promos
Ohio sportsbooks go all-out for Super Bowl promotions. Typical offers include:
- Odds boosts: Enhanced prices on popular bets
- Bet and get: Place $X, receive $Y in bonus bets
- Parlay insurance: Miss one leg, get stake back
- Deposit matches: Bonus funds on Super Bowl deposits
Check promos at all your sportsbooks the week before the Super Bowl. Some require opt-in or have specific terms.
Super Bowl Sunday is the highest-traffic day for sportsbooks. App crashes and slow load times happen. Place important bets before kickoff, not during the game when servers are overwhelmed.
The Ohio Angle
If the Bengals or Browns make the Super Bowl, expect:
- Inflated lines: Ohio money will pour in on the home team
- Contrarian value: Potentially on the opponent if line moves too far
- Bonus offers: Ohio-specific promos from sportsbooks
- Watch party restrictions: Some bars may have cover charges
Bet with your head, not your heart. The Bengals' Super Bowl LVI loss was heartbreaking, but bettors who backed the Rams covered.
Super Bowl Squares (Legal Alternative)
Traditional Super Bowl squares pools operate in a legal gray area. But some Ohio sportsbooks offer squares-style betting products that are fully regulated:
- FanDuel Super Bowl Squares
- DraftKings Score Predictor
- BetMGM Big Game Bingo
These products mimic the squares experience with legal, regulated betting.
Bankroll Reminder
The Super Bowl is entertainment for most bettors. Treat it that way:
- Stick to the 1% rule even for "the big game"
- Entertainment bets (novelty props, fun parlays) should be separate from edge bets
- Don't let one game wreck your whole season
- It's okay to just watch and enjoy
The Super Bowl will happen whether you bet it or not. Make decisions you'll be comfortable with Monday morning, win or lose.
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