Record bets expected on Super Bowl LIV

A record 56 million US citizens will wager on this year’s Super Bowl, according to new data by the American Gaming Association.

The AGA estimates approximately $6.8bn will be wagered on the NFL championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

“With 14 operational markets and another seven close behind, Americans have never before had so many opportunities to wager on the Super Bowl in a safe and legal manner and, clearly, they are getting in on the action,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association.

“With increased visitation to legal sportsbooks, we are successfully drawing bettors away from the predatory illegal market.”

According to a survey conducted by market research company Morning Consult, more than one in 10 adults in the US plans to bet on Super Bowl LIV. Of the 26 million people who will wager on the Super Bowl, close to four million will place a bet in person at a bricks-and-mortar sportsbook, a 25 per cent increase from last year.

Nearly five million will place a bet through an online or mobile platform, either through a licensed, legal operator or an illegal offshore book, a 19 per cent increase from last year.

Fifty-two per cent say they will bet on the Kansas City Chiefs, while 48 per cent will bet on the San Francisco 49ers.