Thinking About Betting on the Super Bowl? Read This First
Super Bowl Sunday used to be my favorite day of the year. It wasn’t just about the game—it was about the action. I lived for the thrill of the bets, the dopamine rush that came with every touchdown, every turnover, and every last-second field goal. But that thrill had a price.
Last year, a record-breaking 68 million adults gambled away a staggering $23 billion on the Super Bowl. This year, that number is expected to grow by another 15%, adding at least $2 billion more to the total. More states have legalized sports betting, more apps make it easier than ever to place bets, and more people—some for the very first time—are stepping into a world that can quickly spiral out of control.
For me, the Super Bowl was always the most dangerous day of the year. It was the culmination of months of chasing losses, the justification for another deposit I swore would be my last, and the gateway to another downward spiral. It took me years to recognize that my ‘fun bets’ were anything but fun. They were destructive, isolating, and financially devastating.
The Dangers of Prop Bets and Other Super Bowl Wagers
One of the biggest draws of Super Bowl betting is the variety of bets you can place beyond just picking the winner. Prop bets, or proposition bets, allow you to wager on nearly every aspect of the game—how long the national anthem will last, what color Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach, or even how many times a certain player will be mentioned during the broadcast. These bets seem harmless, but for problem gamblers, they are particularly dangerous.
Prop bets encourage impulsive gambling. Since they don’t require deep sports knowledge, they are easy to justify as “fun” bets. But they quickly add up, leading to chasing losses and reckless spending. For someone in recovery, they are a slippery slope that can reignite gambling addiction.
Then there are parlays, where you combine multiple bets into one wager, increasing the payout but also increasing the risk. Live betting allows gamblers to make wagers as the game unfolds, feeding the urge for instant gratification. The sportsbooks thrive on these bets, knowing that the odds are always in their favor.
For First-Time Bettors: How to Bet Responsibly
If you’re someone who has never placed a sports bet before and you’re thinking about trying it for the first time this Super Bowl, here are some things you need to know:
Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much money you’re willing to lose, and once it’s gone, walk away. Do not chase your losses.
Avoid live betting. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make impulsive wagers you wouldn’t normally place.
Don’t gamble on credit. Using a credit card or borrowing money to place bets is a dangerous path that can lead to debt and financial stress. Use the money you have and are willing to lose if your bets do not win.
Limit the number of prop bets. Prop bets may seem harmless, but they can quickly lead to reckless betting. It’s easy to place multiple small bets that add up to significant losses. Stick to just one or two if you must partake.
Don’t let betting distract from the game. If you find yourself more focused on the bets than enjoying the event, take a step back.
Know the signs of problem gambling. If you find yourself lying about how much you’ve bet, feeling anxious about your losses, or gambling more than you intended, it might be time to step back.
Remember, sportsbooks are not your friend. The house always has the edge, and they thrive on people making reckless decisions.
The Bigger Picture
The numbers don’t lie—sports betting is skyrocketing, and the Super Bowl is its biggest stage. More people than ever are placing bets, and while some can do it responsibly, many will fall into the same trap I did. It’s why I speak out. It’s why I stay away. It’s why I remind myself every day that I don’t want to go back to the life I once had.
If you’re struggling with gambling, you’re not alone. There are resources out there to help. This Super Bowl Sunday, make a choice that’s good for you. It’s just one day—but one day can make all the difference.
Stay grinding, stop gambling. Life gets better. One day at a time.
