Super Bowl betting has become increasingly accessible, with nearly 30 states and Washington D.C. now offering legal betting options. While exciting for many sports fans, this can present challenges for those struggling with gambling addiction.

Understanding Common Super Bowl Bets and Their Risks

1. Moneyline Bets

• Bet on which team will win outright
• Favorites shown with negative numbers (e.g., -190: bet $190 to win $100)
• Underdogs shown with positive numbers (e.g., +160: bet $100 to win $160)
• Risk: Higher payouts for underdogs encourage risky betting behavior

2. Point Spread Bets

• Bet on the margin of victory
• Favorites must win by more than the spread
• Underdogs can lose by less than the spread to win the bet
• Risk: Spreads can change after placing bets; team victory doesn't guarantee winning

3. Over/Under Bets

• Bet on combined total points scored by both teams
• Choose if final score will be over or under a set number
• Risk: Uneven payouts between over/under options; totals can change after betting

Responsible Betting Guidelines:

• Only bet on sports you understand
• Set and stick to strict spending limits
• Avoid betting under the influence
• Never chase losses
• Research and understand all risks

Seeking Help for Gambling Problems

If gambling becomes uncontrollable, professional help is available. Treatment options include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Gamblers Anonymous meetings
• Individualized aftercare planning

Related Articles

Previous Articles