For many families, the big game is a highlight of the year: friends over, a table of snacks and a living room full of shouting. More and more grown-ups also have a small wager on the outcome. If you are curious, here is how sports betting actually works.
What changed in 2018
For decades, a federal law limited full sports betting largely to Nevada. In May 2018, in a case brought by New Jersey, the US Supreme Court struck down that law, leaving each state free to decide. Since then a majority of states have legalised some form of sports betting, often through licensed mobile apps as well as in-person sportsbooks. Rules, available bets and minimum ages, usually 21, vary from state to state.
Reading the odds
US sportsbooks usually show American odds:
- Minus numbers show the favourite: -150 means you bet $150 to win $100.
- Plus numbers show the underdog: +130 means a $100 bet wins $130.
- -110, common on point spreads, means you bet $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is the sportsbook's margin, often called the vig or juice.
The main types of bet
Bet types at a glance
- Moneyline
- Pick the winner outright
- Point spread
- The favourite must win by more than the spread; the underdog can lose by less
- Total (over/under)
- Bet on whether the combined score is above or below a number
- Prop bets
- Bets on events within the game, such as the first team to score
- Parlay
- Several bets combined; bigger payout, but every leg must win
Super Bowl squares: the classic party pool
Many families and offices play squares on the big game. Draw a 10 by 10 grid, let guests buy squares, then randomly assign the digits 0 to 9 to the rows and columns for each team. At the end of each quarter, the square matching the last digit of each team's score wins a share of the pot. It needs no knowledge of football at all, which is why it is so popular. Laws on office and party pools vary, so keep it small and friendly.
Keep game day fun
- Set a small game-day amount from your fun-money budget and do not add to it.
- Bet on games you would watch anyway; it adds interest without taking over the day.
- Remember the vig: over time the sportsbook's margin means most bettors pay for the entertainment.
- Keep accounts and apps away from children's devices.
Hosting the party? A poker night snack board works perfectly for the big game. And if you want to watch from a casino sportsbook, our guides to Las Vegas and Atlantic City will help you plan.