Report: 68 million Americans expected to wager a total of $23.1B on Super Bowl LVIII

The American Gaming Association released figures on Tuesday that reveal a record number of Americans are expected to place wagers on Super Bowl LVIII. Considering the boom in legal sports betting in recent years, the uptick is no surprise, but the numbers are still shocking. A record 67.8 million American adults, which is 26% of the adult population in the U.S., are expected to bet roughly $23.1 billion on various bets for the Big Game.

It’s an increase of 35% in overall betting participation for the Super Bowl and 44% in total wager amount. Last year, Americans spent $16 billion on bets surrounding Super Bowl LVII, which Kansas City won over the Philadelphia Eagles. The American Gaming Association compiled the figures based on survey results.

Before legal gambling expanded, betting was more common among friends or Super Bowl pools. However, for the second straight year, traditional sports betting and online wagering is the more popular route. While 42.7 million American adults plan to place a traditional wager, up 41 percent from 2023, 36.5 million plan to bet more casually, which is also up by 32% over last season.

According to the AGA survey, bettors are nearly split on the outcome of Super Bowl LVIII. Roughly 47% of betters are planning to wager on the Chiefs, while 44% are planning to put their money on the 49ers.

How to Watch this year’s Super Bowl

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS, Paramount+
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Spread: San Francisco -2.5
Over/Under: 47.5

The Kansas City Chiefs advanced to the Super Bowl by winning the AFC title with a thrilling 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The game was a defensive struggle on a rainy day in Baltimore, but the experience of the Chiefs paid off in a big way. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes did what he had to do and was ready to roll from the start.

Mahomes finished the AFC Championship Game 30-of-39 passing for 241 yards and a touchdown. His main target was veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. During the game, Kelce broke Jerry Rice‘s old NFL playoff record for most postseason receptions.

The 49ers, meanwhile, advanced with an NFC Championship Game comeback against the Detroit Lions. Detroit led 24-7 at halftime but was limited to just one late fourth-quarter touchdown in the second half as San Francisco stormed back.

The 49ers were powered by running back Christian McCaffrey, who ran 20 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns and also caught four passes for 42 yards in the game. Quarterback Brock Purdy finished 20-of-31 passing for 267 yards and a touchdown with one interception.