Super Bowl Betting Guide

Written by: Joseph Falchetti, Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Last updated:
12 minute read

The Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest game of the year; it’s also the biggest day for sports betting. Millions of dollars are wagered on everything from the winning team to the color of the Gatorade dump. So, If you plan on betting, you need the right information.

Want to know the best odds? Looking for smart bets beyond the obvious picks? This guide breaks down what you need to know before you place a wager. From analysis to betting trends, we’ll help you make informed decisions.

On this page, you’ll find a full breakdown of Super Bowl betting options, including the types of bets, how the odds work, and proven strategies. We’ll also cover safety sites, how to find the best lines, and key stats to keep in mind. No fluff—just the info you need to bet smarter.

The Current Super Bowl Football Format – Details About the Game

The Super Bowl hasn’t changed much over the years, but a few details always shift. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect this year.

CategoryDetails
DateFebruary 9, 2025
LocationCaesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Teams PlayingKansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Playoff FormatFOX, FOX Deportes
Kickoff Time6:30 PM ET
Halftime ShowKendrick Lamar
National AnthemJon Batiste
Overtime RulesEach team gets a possession (unless a defensive touchdown is scored first)

Why This Matters for Betting

Super Bowl details matter because they shape how the game plays out. The venue affects playing conditions, the halftime show impacts game flow, and overtime rules can change late-game strategy. Knowing these factors helps you set expectations and make predictions.

How to Bet on the Super Bowl – The Basics

Sportsbooks offer a range of options, from simple bets to detailed bets on individual plays. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.

Moneyline Bets

This is the simplest bet. Just pick the team you think will win. Odds are based on favorites (-) and underdogs (+).

Example: In Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs are favored over the Philadelphia Eagles. The moneyline odds are Chiefs -125 and Eagles +105.

This means a $125 bet on the Chiefs would win $100 if they win, while a $100 bet on the Eagles would win $105 if they pull off the upset.

Super Bowl Spread Betting

The point spread is a way to balance the odds between two teams. Instead of just picking a winner, you’re betting on how much a team will win or lose.

Example: For the Super Bowl 59, the Kansas City Chiefs are favored over the Philadelphia Eagles by 1.5 points. This means the Chiefs need to win by at least 2 points to cover the spread. If you bet on the Eagles, they can lose by 1 point or win outright, and your bet wins.

Additional Insights

  • Favorites have covered the spread 29 times, while underdogs have covered 28 times, with 2 pushes.
  • picking the winner has generally been enough to secure a winning bet on most Super Bowls. The winning team has covered the point spread in 88% of games.
  • Only six times has the favorite won the game but failed to cover the spread in NFL history.
  • Underdogs have covered the spread in 16 of the last 24 Super Bowls, including the last two seasons.

Over/Under (Total Points)

You’re betting on the total combined score of both teams. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet whether the final score will be over or under that total.

For Super Bowl 2025, the over/under is set at 49 points. If you bet the over, the total combined score must be 50 or more to win. If you bet the under, the total score must be 49 or less.

Example: If the Chiefs win 27-24 (total of 51 points), the over bey wins. If the Chiefs win 24-21 (a total of 45 points), the under wins. This bet isn’t about who wins—it’s just about the total number of points scored.

Prop Bets

Super Bowl prop bets focus on specific events, like player stats, team milestones, or even halftime and commercial-related outcomes. Popular examples include:

  • Player & Game Props: Betting on passing yards, MVP, touchdowns, or receptions.
  • Team Props: First team to score, total sacks, or turnover counts.
  • National Anthem Bets: How long will it be? Will they forget any words? Bet on the planes flying over and even the duration of the word “brave.”
  • Fun & Crazy Bets: Bet on things like the number of babies in commercials and animals on the field.
  • Half-time Show Bets: You can wager on things like the first artist to appear, the first song title, and the number of songs performed.

Live Betting

This type of bet lets you wager as the game happens, with odds adjusting in real time.

Example: The Chiefs take an early 7-0 lead, and the live odds shift. The new point spread might favor the Chiefs by a bigger margin. If you think the Eagles will make a comeback, you can bet on them to cover the updated spread. Live betting lets you react to the game in real time.

Super Bowl 59 Betting Odds 2025

The Chiefs are aiming for their third consecutive title, while the Eagles seek to avenge their 2023 defeat. Current betting odds favor the Chiefs, but the matchup is expected to be competitive.

Philadelphia Eagles Vs. Kansas City Chiefs
+105 Moneyline -125
+1.5 Spread -1.5
Over/Under number is set at 49 points combined score

Key Factors That Influence Super Bowl Odds and How to Use Them

Super Bowl odds shift based on key factors, and understanding them can help you find better bets. From line movement to player impact, knowing how odds work gives you an edge.

  1. Line Movement Leading Up to the Game – Odds aren’t set in stone. Sportsbooks adjust them based on where the money is going. If more bets come in on one team, the spread or moneyline can shift to balance the action. For example, if the Chiefs open at -1.5, and a flood of bets comes in on them, the line might move to -2.5 or higher.

    Tip: Watch for early line movements. If you like the favorite, betting early can lock in a better number. If you prefer the underdog, waiting might get you extra points if the line shifts in their favor.
  2. Prop Bet Odds Movement – Prop bets can see big odds swings based on betting volume. If a popular player prop (like Travis Kelce’s receiving yards) gets heavy action, sportsbooks may adjust the line by several yards..

    Tip: If you like an over on a player prop, bet early before the number moves. If you prefer the under, waiting may get you a higher total as the public pushes the line up.
  3. Halftime Adjustments and Second-Half Betting – The Super Bowl has extended halftime, and sportsbooks adjust live odds based on first-half performance. If a team dominates early, their second-half odds might shift heavily, offering value on a comeback bet.

    Tip: If a strong team starts slow, second-half lines might give better odds than pregame bets. Look for opportunities if the first half doesn’t go as expected.
  4. Last-Minute Injury or Roster Changes – Odds can shift dramatically if a key player is ruled out or limited right before the game. Even minor injuries can impact spreads or player props, especially for quarterbacks or skill players.

    Tip: Check injury reports before placing final bets. If a key player is questionable, waiting might give you a better number once his status is confirmed.

Proven Super Bowl Betting Strategies

We’ve put together some tips to help you bet on the Super Bowl online and make smarter picks for the NFL’s biggest game.

Here are a few well-known strategies that can improve your approach or serve as a quick refresher.

Bet Against the Public

The Super Bowl draws a massive amount of public betting, and casual bettors often lean toward favorites and overs. Sportsbooks adjust lines based on this action, sometimes inflating odds.

Strategy: If the majority of bets are on one side, consider the other. Public money inflates lines, so underdogs often hold more value. Check betting percentages from sportsbooks before placing your bet.

Example: In Super Bowl 2023, public money flooded in on the Eagles, pushing their spread from -1 to -2.5. Experienced bettors waited and grabbed the Chiefs at +2.5, which turned into a winning bet when they won outright.

Shop for the Best Odds

Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds. A slight difference in a point spread, moneyline, or total can impact your profitability. Some books might have the Chiefs at -1.5, while others have them at -2. That half-point can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Strategy: Open accounts at multiple sportsbooks and compare odds before placing a bet. Even a small change in the spread or moneyline can make a big difference.

Example: In last year’s Super Bowl, some books had the over/under at 50.5 while others had it at 51. Bettors who took the under at 51 had a push, while those at 50.5 lost.

Look for Soft Prop Lines Early

Super Bowl prop bets, especially player props, often open with conservative numbers before adjusting to public betting. For example, a running back’s rushing yards might start at 58.5 but climb to 65+ as more people bet the over.

Strategy: If you like an over on a player prop, bet it early before the line moves. If you prefer an under, wait closer to game time when public money inflates the number.

Example: Last year, Travis Kelce’s receiving yards prop opened at 70.5 but moved up to 78.5 by kickoff due to heavy action on the over. Early bettors got a much better number.

Use Live Betting for Better Value

The Super Bowl starts with a lot of energy, but momentum shifts throughout the game. If a favorite starts slow, their live moneyline or spread may drop, offering better value than the pregame line.

Strategy: If you have a favorite but think they might start slow, wait for a live betting opportunity. You can often get a better number after the first quarter.

Example: In Super Bowl 2020, the 49ers led the Chiefs 20-10 in the fourth quarter. Live odds had the Chiefs as big underdogs. Bettors who took the Chiefs at long odds cashed in when they made a late comeback to win.

Take Advantage of Halftime Adjustments

The extended Super Bowl halftime gives teams extra time to make adjustments. Second-half lines are set based on first-half performance, which can lead to overreactions if one team is unexpectedly ahead.

Strategy: If a strong team is losing at halftime, consider betting on them to cover the second-half spread. Halftime adjustments can shift momentum fast.

Example: In Super Bowl 2022, the Bengals led the Rams at halftime, but the Rams adjusted and dominated the second half. Bettors who took the Rams’ second-half line got great value.

Monitor Performances Against Similar Opponents

If the teams played each other in the regular season or faced similar opponents, those games can hint at how the Super Bowl might unfold.

Strategy: Look at how each team fared against similar opponents. If they struggled against a certain style before, it could be a problem again.

Example: In Super Bowl 2021, the Buccaneers dominated the Chiefs 31-9 by exploiting Kansas City’s weak offensive line. Tampa Bay’s defense had already shut down pass-heavy teams that season, making their success predictable.

Super Bowl Handicapping Tips

Betting on the Super Bowl requires careful analysis to make informed decisions. Here are some tips to help you handicap the game effectively:

Betting Tip #1Evaluate Performance in High-Pressure Situations

Consider how teams and key players perform under pressure, such as in playoff games or close contests. This can indicate their readiness for the Super Bowl stage.

Example: During the 2024 AFC Championship, the Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Buffalo Bills. Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the final minutes, showcasing his composure and clutch performance.

Betting Tip #2Consider Coaching Strategies and Adjustments

Analyze the coaching staff’s ability to make effective in-game adjustments, which can be crucial in a high-stakes game like the Super Bowl.

Example: In Super Bowl LI, the New England Patriots trailed the Atlanta Falcons 28-3. Coach Bill Belichick’s strategic adjustments, including defensive changes and no-huddle offense, facilitated a historic comeback, leading to a 34-28 victory in overtime.

Betting Tip #3Examine the Matchup

Break down how each team’s offense and defense match up. Look at regular-season performance, playoff results, key stats, and tendencies. A team’s biggest strength might not work if the opponent has an answer for it.

Example: In Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles led the NFL in sacks, but the Chiefs’ offensive line allowed zero. Mahomes stayed protected, threw three touchdowns, and led a 38-35 win. Bettors who overlooked Kansas City’s strong pass protection misjudged the matchup.

Betting Tip #4Manage Your Bankroll

The Super Bowl is the biggest game of the year, but it’s still just one game. Many bettors make the mistake of risking more than usual just because it’s the final matchup of the season. Treat it like any other bet. Stick to your strategy and avoid bigger bets based on emotions.

Example: In Super Bowl 2019, the Rams and Patriots combined for just 16 points, making it the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever. Many bettors, expecting a shootout, placed oversized bets on the over (56.5). Those who stuck to their usual unit sizes took a loss but avoided a major bankroll hit.

top Sites to Bet On The Super Bowl

As we’ve often mentioned, the sportsbook you use to bet online should be chosen carefully. You can place your bets at the NFL online sportsbooks we recommend below.

These sites offer great bonuses, competitive odds, and top-notch security to bet on the Big Game:

Rank NFL Sportsbook Deposit Bonus Highlights Get Started
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Past Five Super Bowl Winners

  • 2024: Kansas City Chiefs
  • 2023: Kansas City Chiefs
  • 2022: Los Angeles Rams
  • 2021: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2020: Kansas City Chiefs

Super Bowl LVIII (2024) ended with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime.

The Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit and tied the game at 19 by the end of regulation.

Super Bowl 2025 Squares Printable PDF

Betting on the Super Bowl is as American as apple pie, whether that be betting at an online sportsbook, Super Bowl office pools, or with a friend.

If you are not betting online but participating in Super Bowl squares betting, we have prepared a free printable Super Bowl squares template for you.

super bowl squares template free pdf
Click on the image to download the PDF

Find More Information On Our NFL Betting Guide

Final Play: Making Smart Super Bowl Bets

The Super Bowl is the most heavily bet-on event of the year, which means oddsmakers sharpen their lines and public money floods the market. This creates opportunities for you.

Line movement, prop bet shifts, and in-game adjustments all play a role. Whether you’re betting on the spread, live odds, or unique props, timing and research matter. Look at how teams performed all season, not just in the last few games. Don’t fall for public betting traps, and always shop for the best odds.

Most importantly, bet responsibly at safe sites. The Super Bowl is one game, so don’t let the hype push you into bad decisions.

Stick to a plan, enjoy the action, and if you find the right spots, you might just cash in on the biggest game of the year!

Super Bowl 59 Betting – Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about Super Bowl betting? Here are some additional details you won’t find in a typical guide.

How much money is bet on the Super Bowl?

The numbers are released each year by Nevada sportsbooks and other states with regulated sports betting. Super Bowl LIV had over $157 million in wagers. The amount wagered offshore and with local bookies is much larger. Some estimate that it’s around $4.5 billion in the United States alone. That doesn’t count the betting that goes on in other countries.

What’s the impact of officiating crews on Super Bowl betting?

Each officiating crew has tendencies—some call more penalties, while others let teams play. This affects total points, pass interference calls, and even prop bets like total penalties. Researching the crew’s history can offer an edge in betting.

How do sportsbooks handle Super Bowl MVP bets if there’s a tie?

Most sportsbooks only pay out on one MVP winner, but a few have rules for co-MVPs, which happened in Super Bowl XII (Harvey Martin & Randy White). Always check house rules before placing MVP bets.

Do sportsbooks limit how much you can bet on Super Bowl props?

Yes, sportsbooks often cap prop bet amounts lower than traditional bets. While you might wager thousands on the spread, many books cap novelty props at $500 or less to protect against professional bettors.

How do sportsbooks handle Super Bowl bets if there’s a major rule controversy or review?

All bets are graded based on official NFL results. If a last-second review changes a touchdown call, bets adjust accordingly. This is why live betting carries risk. Odds may lock during lengthy reviews.

How do sportsbooks handle overtime in Super Bowl bets?

Most bets include overtime unless stated otherwise. This matters for point totals, spreads, and props, as an extra period can shift results. If betting on time-sensitive props (like “first quarter total points”), be sure to check the fine print.

About the Author

Joseph Falchetti

Joseph Falchetti

Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert

Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.

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