How Do You Bet on the Super Bowl for Beginners?

On Sep 14, 2024

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting millions of viewers and bettors alike. If you’re new to betting on the Super Bowl, it can feel overwhelming with so many options available. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through how to bet on the Super Bowl, different types of bets, and tips to get started on the right track.

Understanding Super Bowl Betting Basics

Before placing any bet, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals. Sports betting revolves around predicting an outcome and wagering money based on that prediction. In the Super Bowl, the most common things to bet on include which team will win, by how much, and specific in-game events like the total points scored.

Key Terms to Know

Point Spread: The point spread is a type of bet that aims to level the playing field between the underdog and the favorite. If a team is favored to win by -7, they must win by more than 7 points for you to win the bet. If you’re betting on the underdog, they can lose by fewer than 7 points or win outright for your bet to pay out.
Moneyline: A moneyline bet is the simplest form of bet in which you simply choose which team you think will win the game outright. No points or margins matter, only the final outcome.
Over/Under (Totals): This bet revolves around predicting whether the total points scored in the game will be over or under a predetermined number. For example, if the total is set at 48, and you think the two teams will combine for more than 48 points, you bet the “over.”
Prop Bets: Proposition (or prop) bets focus on specific events within the game, often unrelated to the outcome. Examples include who will score the first touchdown, whether the coin toss will land on heads or tails, or how many passing yards a quarterback will have.

Step-by-Step: How to Bet on the Super Bowl

Choose a Reputable Sportsbook
Your first step should be selecting a reliable sportsbook. There are numerous online platforms to choose from, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or PointsBet. Make sure the platform you choose is licensed and offers a variety of Super Bowl betting markets. Signing up is usually quick and easy, requiring some basic information.
Fund Your Account
After creating your account, the next step is to deposit money. Most sportsbooks accept credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. Many sportsbooks also offer bonuses for first-time bettors, such as risk-free bets or deposit matches, so keep an eye out for those promotions.
Explore Betting Markets
Once you’re set up, explore the available markets for the Super Bowl. Betting on the Super Bowl goes far beyond just picking the winner—there are hundreds of options, ranging from traditional point spreads to quirky prop bets like the length of the National Anthem performance.
Place Your Bet
After deciding on a bet that suits you, click on it and enter the amount of money you want to wager. The sportsbook will then calculate how much you stand to win based on the odds of your chosen bet. Double-check your selection before confirming it.
Watch the Game and Track Your Bet
Now comes the fun part—watching the Super Bowl unfold and tracking how your bets are performing. Most sportsbooks will update your account balance automatically if your bets are successful, and many offer live betting during the game.

Types of Super Bowl Bets

As a beginner, it’s essential to understand the various types of bets you can place on the Super Bowl:

Moneyline Bets

This is the simplest type of bet—pick the team you think will win the game. The odds will reflect each team’s chances of winning. For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are listed at +150 and the Philadelphia Eagles at -170, it means the Eagles are favored. If you bet $100 on the Chiefs, you’d win $150 if they win the game. If you bet $170 on the Eagles, you’d win $100.

Point Spread Bets

With a point spread bet, you’re not just picking the winner, but betting on how much a team will win or lose by. In Super Bowl betting, the favorite might be favored to win by 3.5 points, meaning they need to win by at least 4 points for your bet to win.

Over/Under (Total Points)

Betting the over/under involves predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than a specific number set by the sportsbook. For example, if the line is set at 52.5 points, you’ll bet on whether the two teams together will score more or fewer than that number.

Prop Bets

Super Bowl prop bets are particularly popular because of their variety. You can bet on anything from how many touchdown passes the quarterback will throw to whether the halftime show will feature a surprise guest. Some of the most fun prop bets include:

Parlay Bets

Parlays allow you to combine multiple bets into one, potentially yielding a higher payout. However, all parts of the parlay must win for you to cash out. For example, you could bet on the moneyline, point spread, and total points in one parlay—if any of those outcomes don’t happen, you lose the entire bet.

Tips for Betting on the Super Bowl as a Beginner

Betting on the Super Bowl can be exciting, but it’s essential to approach it with a strategy and understanding of the risks. Here are some beginner-friendly tips:

Start Small

It can be tempting to place big bets, especially with all the excitement around the Super Bowl, but it’s wise to start with smaller wagers. This will help you get a feel for the process without risking too much money.

Do Your Research

Understanding the teams, players, and recent performances can significantly impact your betting decisions. Look at team stats, player injuries, and how each team performed in the playoffs.

Stick to Simple Bets

As a beginner, sticking to simple bets like the moneyline or point spread is the best strategy. While prop bets can be fun, they are often harder to predict.

Set a Budget

Decide ahead of time how much you’re willing to lose and stick to that limit. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but responsible gambling is key to enjoying the experience.

Take Advantage of Bonuses

Many sportsbooks offer promotions and bonuses for first-time bettors. Look out for free bets, risk-free bets, or deposit bonuses that can give you extra value when you start.

Conclusion

Betting on the Super Bowl is a thrilling way to add even more excitement to the biggest game of the year. As a beginner, the most important thing is to approach it with knowledge and a plan. By understanding the different types of bets, doing your research, and managing your bankroll wisely, you can enhance your Super Bowl experience without taking unnecessary risks. Whether you’re betting on the outcome, points, or even prop bets, the key is to have fun and enjoy the game responsibly!