Super Bowl LVIII was unprecedented in a whole lot of ways.
Not only was it the first-ever Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas, but it went on to shatter broadcast records as the most-watched program in United States history.
It also broke the record for most wagered sporting event in Nevada history, with $185.6 million being wagered across 182 authorized sportsbooks according to The Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The historic number broke the previous record of $179.8 million set during Super Bowl LVI when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.
$185.6 million was wagered on Super Bowl LVIII in Nevada casinos — the most ever by far — according to the NV Gaming Control Board. pic.twitter.com/wEwgcxmAtx
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) February 13, 2024
The record-breaking 123.7 million viewers (with 202.4 million watching at least part of the broadcast) were treated to a dramatic overtime clash between two of the NFL’s biggest brands.
The historic number surpassed last year’s record of 115.1 million viewers for Super Bowl LVII between the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
The anatomy of the game-winner. What a Super Bowl. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WbGaPP39yV
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024
As far as the incredible wagering numbers, Michael Lawton, a senior economic analyst at NGCB, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that several factors contributed to the substantial figures.
These included the 49ers hailing from the “#2 feeder market for Las Vegas,” the defending champion Chiefs going for back-to-back titles, the game itself being held in Las Vegas itself … Oh, and that whole Taylor Swift effect didn’t hurt neither.
49ers fan breaks his own TV after Chiefs win superbowl pic.twitter.com/zX1wYYh1DF
— TRACKER DEEP (@tracker_deep) February 12, 2024
Of course, the $185.6 million figure is mere peanuts compared to what was wagered on the game nationally (and globally for that matter).
For example, FanDuel processed 14 million wagers on the Super Bowl, totaling $307 million – a company record and a 40% increase from 2023.
Sports betting is legalized in 38 states … New York and New Jersey usually set a new record with each passing month, especially during football season.
It remains to be seen whether the true wagering total across the country gets released. However, legalized Nevada books took in several wagers reaching or exceeding $1 million.
The line for Sunday’s Super Bowl closed at 49ers -2 with the point total set at 47.5 (at most books).
Here’s a look at some of the biggest (documented) bets that won…
-$1.1 million on Kansas City +2 (BetMGM)
-$1 million on Kansas City +2 (Circa)
-$1 million on San Francisco 1H -0.5 (Fanatics)
-$540,000 on Kansas City +4.5 Alternate Line (PointsBet)
-$300,000 on Kansas City +2 (BetMGM)
Now, for the unlucky losers who undoubtedly had a hard time sleeping Sunday night…
-$1.1 million on San Francisco -1.5 (Circa Sports)
-$1.1 million on San Francisco -2 (BetMGM)
-$1 million on San Francisco ML (Caesars Sportsbook)
-$1 million on San Francisco ML (BetMGM)
-$1 million on San Francisco -2 (PointsBet)
-$668,181 on San Francisco -2 (Caesars)
-$600,000 on San Francisco ML (DraftKings)
-$500,000 on San Francisco ML (Caesars)
-$500,000 on San Francisco ML (DraftKings)
One bettor at Caesars had a $200,000 wager on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to win MVP at +240 odds.
The opening coin-toss is always a popular prop bet. In theory you have a 50% chance to win, which in many ways are the best odds you could ask for.
One bettor at BetMGM won $100,000 on heads, whereas another bettor at Caesars lost $100,000 on tails.
Needless to say, there most likely were a whole lot more large wagers placed on the game that aren’t yet publicly known … There are reports that an estimated $23 BILLION total was wagered on Super Bowl LVIII.
This year – $23B will be wagered on the Super Bowl – some by very skilled professional gamblers, some by insiders, some by Taylor Swift fans.
SF is 2 pt favourites – and I’d love to see them win but betting on the Super Bowl is very comparable to individual stock selection.
— John Stocking, Financial Panther, IBS (@j_stock_) February 11, 2024
What are your thoughts on the record-breaking figures?
Did you win your bet(s) on Sunday?
What’s the most you’ve ever wagered on a game???