A record amount of US$1.76 billion (R$9.2 billion) will be legally bet in the United States on next week’s Super Bowl, between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, the AGA (American Gaming Association, the gambling industry association) reported this Friday (30).
The trade association representing the U.S. casino industry said the figure, an increase of nearly 27% from the previous year, reflects the continued growth and strength of the legal sports betting market, regulated by states and Indian tribes.
“No event brings fans together like the Super Bowl, and this record-breaking amount shows how much Americans appreciate sports betting as part of the experience,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said in a statement.
“By choosing legal and regulated sportsbooks, fans have fun while supporting a safe and responsible market.”
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting. Since then, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form.
Earlier this week, an analysis released by Legal Sports Report, in partnership with the Sports Betting Alliance, predicted that $1.71 billion will be legally wagered in the United States on the Super Bowl.
The NFL championship game generates a massive annual betting event, and this year’s edition will be played on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
The Seattle Seahawks, back in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015, are favorites to beat the New England Patriots, who are seeking their record seventh title and first since 2019.
