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Your Guide to Super Bowl Gambling Games

Updated: Feb 9

Super Bowl LVIII Three-Part Series



Your Guide to Super Bowl Gambling Games

That’s me on the left, wearing my FFL championship ring. That’s my fireplace mantle on the right, with an FFL Super Bowl trophy placed squarely in the center.


I know what you’re thinking: my wife is a lucky lady.


I love sports. I love football. I love to gamble. The period between the Super Bowl and preseason football podcasts is my black hole of entertainment happiness. I’ll still watch sports, but it’s just not the same. And gambling is a big part of it.


The bottom line is that in my heart, I’m a gambling degenerate; fortunately for me, the frugality embedded deep in my head limits how much money I gamble.


This post is dedicated to all things Super Bowl party gambling games, and it’s much more fun to write than my posts about doing the dishes.


How Much Money Will Be Bet On The Super Bowl In 2024?


An estimated 50.4 million people in the US bet on last year's Super Bowl, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA). 


Betting on the 49ers versus the Chiefs is expected to increase significantly. According to Legal Sports Report, Super Bowl 58 will attract a record $1.3 billion in wagers, breaking the previous mark by 20 percent.


BTW - Las Vegas casinos have lost on the NFL Super Bowl twice in three decades, the 1995 and 2008 Super Bowls. 


3 Super Bowl Party Gambling Games


Super Bowl Party games create excitement and vibrancy for your guests. Here are my three favorite Super Bowl Party gambling games.


1. Super Bowl Squares Pool


Participants purchase one or more squares on a grid labeled with numbers 0 through 9 along the rows and columns.


The grid size and number of squares can vary; choose yours based on your party size. Typically, a 10x10 grid is used, creating 100 squares. Each square corresponds to the last digit of the score for each team at the end of each quarter or at the end of the game.


Before the game starts, participants buy squares, usually sold at a fixed price per square. Once all the squares are sold, numbers 0 through 9 are randomly assigned to the rows and columns, filling out the grid.


At the end of each quarter or at the end of the game, the last digit of each team's score determines the winning square. For example, if at the end of the first quarter, the score is Team A 10, Team B 7, then the square that corresponds to the row with the digit 0 (for Team A) and the column with the digit 7 (for Team B) would be the winning square for that quarter.


Prizes are typically awarded at the end of each quarter or at the end of the game, depending on the rules set by the organizer. The prizes are often distributed predetermined, such as a percentage of the total pool for each quarter.


Super Bowl Squares Templates


Click here for various printable Super Bowl Squares Templates.


2. Super Bowl Prop Bets


A prop bet is a type of wager that doesn't necessarily depend on a football game's final outcome but focuses on specific events or occurrences within the game itself.


  • Who will be the first team to reach 20 points?

  • Will there be a punt return TD?

  • Which team will be the first to challenge a play?

  • Which player will score the first touchdown?


Prop bets do not have to include the game itself. The bets can include betting on how many times they will show Taylor Swift, who will win the coin toss, and who will attend Usher's halftime performance.


3. Drinking Games


Any Super Bowl Prop bet can be turned into a drinking game; just replace dollars with DeLeón Tequila. Here are a couple specific suggestions:


Finger Flick Football


This was the game we all played in class before the smartphone. Use a piece of paper to create your pint-sized football. The video below is a tutorial for those who need a refresher. 



Take turns flicking the football into makeshift goalposts. The goalposts can be fellow players' fingers, or you could make your own out of empty toilet paper rolls, popsicle sticks glued to the bottom, or use your fingers.


A popular variation is giving players four downs to gently flick the paper football from one side to the other. Touchdowns are scored when the ball stops just shy of going over the edge, with a portion of the ball hanging over the edge. 


You can reward players who make the field goal by making the opposition drink or create a drinking consequence for missing. 


Super Bowl trivia shot game


A gamemaster must create a list of Super Bowl-themed trivia questions for you to ask your guests throughout the game. A variation is for married couples to play in pairs, taking turns taking shots or sips of beer.


Is Gambling Legal in My State?


According to the Legal Sports Report Legislative Tracker, 29 states allow bets over the Internet. 38 states and the District of Columbia have fully legalized sports gambling, with multiple states having passed legislation that will soon take effect and others considering legislation. 


Click on the American Gaming Association Interactive Map below to review the details for your state. 


Your Guide to Super Bowl Gambling Games

Loopholes


There are some states with loopholes that allow some forms of online gambling. Take, for instance, Georgia, where you can bet on daily fantasy sports using FanDuel. A quirky series of events has left DFS competitions free to run, but FanDuel Sportsbook is unavailable.


Top Fantasy Football Podcasts


Will you put together fantasy teams for the Super Bowl? If so, it’s a good idea to take some time to listen to what the experts have to say. 


Listen Notes uses a formula that includes downloads and listen scores (comments, ratings, etc.). Here is their list of Top 5 podcasts based on this criteria, all five of which I listen to from time to time and enjoy: 



Responsible Gambling


Your Guide to Super Bowl Gambling Games

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides various resources, including answers to commonly asked questions, a gambling behavior self-assessment, information about treatment, and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) to help connect you with local resources.


Advice for Married Couples


I consider gambling an entertainment expense, and like any other expense, I am open and honest with my wife about what I spend. 


 


 

I'll likely bet around $20 in total on the Super Bowl. That's it. I only gamble what I can afford to enjoy losing, which isn't much. I love researching my options before the game, building 30+ different DFS teams for the day, and playing the nickel and quarter games. 


Gambling can be particularly dangerous in a marriage. Losing big will likely create feelings of shame and guilt, which drive financial infidelity. Never risk your marriage on a football game. 


Best Practices for Responsible Gambling


Set Limits and Stick to Them


Establishing clear boundaries on how much time and money you're willing to dedicate to gambling is paramount. Set a budget for your gambling activities and avoid chasing losses or wagering more than you can afford to lose. Remember that gambling should be viewed as entertainment, not a means to generate income or solve financial problems.


Know the Odds and Risks


Understanding the odds and probabilities associated with different types of bets is essential for making informed decisions. Recognize that gambling outcomes are largely based on chance and that there's always a risk of losing money. Take the time to learn about the games you're betting on, and be mindful of the potential outcomes.


Avoid Gambling Under the Influence


Gambling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and lead to impulsive or reckless behavior. It's important to approach gambling with a clear and rational mindset to make sound decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.


Seek Support if Needed


If you find that gambling is becoming a source of stress, anxiety, or financial hardship, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, or professional resources. Many organizations and helplines offer assistance to individuals struggling with gambling-related issues and can provide valuable guidance and support.


Super Bowl LVIII Three-Part Series



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