(WHTM) – Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is one of the most anticipated Super Bowls in recent memory, and it may also break records for sports bettors.
Last year Pennsylvania set a record with more than $510 million wagered on sports, along with more than $18.6 million wagered on fantasy sports. With the Eagles back in the Super Bowl and sports gambling apps more popular than ever, those numbers could see a significant bounce.
“In 2023 in [Philadelphia’s] last appearance, over $84 million was made,” said Doug Harbach with Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board. “So I would not be surprised if we don’t see the amount of wagering above that for the Super Bowl.”
Sports betting is live and legal in 38 states and Washington D.C., with Missouri joining the group in the near future, according to the American Gaming Association. Thirty states and the nation’s capital also have mobile sports betting.
According to Ohio for Responsible Gambling, Super Bowl betting increased from $4 billion in 2022 to $19 billion in 2024. Derek Longmeier, executive director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, said this year’s game is expected to be one of history’s largest bet-on sporting events.
“It’s easy for someone to rack up thousands of dollars in betting on their phone,” Longmeier said. “There’s a balance between fun and harm that we need to understand.”
More than 90% of wagering in Pennsylvania is done through apps. That means more convenience and the possibility for someone to develop a gambling addiction.
Josh Ercole, the executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, said the end of the NFL season through the Super Bowl is when they see an increase in people seeking assistance for gambling addiction.
“A lot of this has to do with the ease of access and the continued increased availability,” said Ercole. “There’s going to be a lot of wagering, in-game wagering, wagering on the result of the game, wagering on the next play and then the prop wagers that we see that pop up.”
Those seeking assistance can call 1-800-GAMBLER.