Come on, do I really have to do this? Is there any reason why I have to convince some of you good people to just think about the magnificence and splendor that is Super Bowl Sunday? Oh, and to consider just how much fun betting on the Super Bowl can be. In my estimation, there is no single sporting event on the planet that comes close to the big game. Yes, I said it, and you can quote me on that.
To those reading this who aren’t quite as enamored by the big game as us, I’m sure this piece will go a long way in explaining the attraction. Some of you may not be American, but we won’t hold that against you. In fact, there are many football fanatics across the world (when I say football, I don’t mean soccer), and I personally have friends from Ireland, Hungary, England, Italy, and The Netherlands who are worshipers at the altar of the NFL.
You see, the Super Bowl is a big deal. When I say a big deal, I mean a big, big deal. Like, it’s huge. Betting enthusiasts will undoubtedly be inundated with all things football this week, as we approach the final game of the season, to crown the kings of football for 2019. Will the New England Patriots go one better, and further immortalize the old guard in Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as the best partnership since steak and potatoes? Or will the Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay and Jared Goff prove that all good things come to an end?
That’s the beauty of this game. The fire, the passion, the colors, the fans… it’s all there. This game is one of the most intriguing Super Bowls in a long time, and it appears that the script is far from conclusive. I, for one, cannot wait for Sunday, and here’s why.
You’ve probably heard the platitudes and hyperbole one million times, but do you know why the Super Bowl is so important? Well, ever since that first game in 1967 – when the Green Bay Packers obliterated Kansas City Chiefs by 35-10 – America has been transfixed by the big game. As the years rolled by, stakes got high (that rhyme was obviously intentional), and families across the nation paid attention.
Fast forward to 2019, and Super Bowl Sunday is basically the USA’s unofficial holiday. Everybody gets together to watch the game and to bask in the colorful (and sometimes over the top) nature of the event. Think commercials, think the halftime show, think… theatre. The only thing that can trump the loud and hectic noise and mayhem off the field is what the players can do on the field. The stage is set, and we are ready to go.
You see, the Super Bowl is more than just a game. It is more than just a weekend, too. It is the culmination of a long, hard season of pain and glory, extended by the hype and media frenzy that leads up to the main event. Make no mistake, this is all about football. However, this is America’s game. Much like the Gladiators in the Colosseum in Rome, this is a celebration, too.
America loves football: there’s no two ways about it. Despite its humble and sluggish beginnings, football became a major part of American society and now both enjoy an almost symbiotic relationship, at least to those watching from around the world. With the advent of TV, the game exploded in popularity, sponsorships pumped billions into the game, and now it is regarded as a cultural cornerstone across the nation.
Although there are many who lambast the excessive ticket prices and decry their misfortune in not getting tickets for the game, there are others who feel blessed just to watch the game from with their family and friends. If you have a ticket, lucky you, but if not, the occasion is for everyone. Grab some beers, get the barbecue fired up, and enjoy the spectacle.
Keep in mind that the Super Bowl is not just popular in the U.S., as it is one of the biggest spectator events on earth. In fact, it is estimated that over 103 million people across the globe tuned in for 2018’s game. While this may be America’s game, there is no doubt that our cousins all over the world will be staying up into the early hours/waking up at the crack of dawn to witness the big game.
Ok, back in the day things were different to what you probably think of when the words “Super Bowl Halftime Show” are muttered. At one time, there were college marching bands and some downright boring performers (sorry). Over the past two decades in particular, things have really heated up. U2, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Beyonce, and Janet Jackson (of course you remember that one) have served the global audience at the halfway point.
The Halftime show is just huge these days. Many of the casual fans and die-hard football freaks alike await the announcements of who will play the big show. This year, Maroon 5 – with guests Travis Scott and Big Boi – will take to the stage to keep us in our seats. Not bad, eh? Well, of course, everyone would probably prefer their favorite acts, but you can’t argue against the effort.
Well, these are certainly not for everyone. When a 30-second advertisement slot costs in excess of $5 million, it is not hard to see why. On the other side of the TV, there are some among the clans of observers that seem to enjoy watching the craziness bestowed on them by the intrepid minds of corporate America. You could argue that the Super Bowl advertisements are part of the experience. However, everyone’s hippy Uncle (Jim, in my family) will shake their heads in disapproval.
Of course, this is where things get really interesting. Who cares about the halftime show, the snacks, and the commercials when the real thrills lie in placing our bets on the game? If you think you and your buddies are the only people with a financial interest on the game beyond the corporations, you would be wrong. So, so wrong.
The American Gaming Association estimates that just under 23 million Americans are aiming to place bets on Super Bowl 53. The amount of money set to be bet on the game in the States this year is forecast to be just under $5 billion. That is a lot of cash, right? What drives many of these bets is the sense of occasion that comes with the Super Bowl. There is no other sporting event that comes close for Americans, as those numbers prove.
There are all kinds of bets that can be placed on the game, from moneyline bets on the winner of the Super Bowl, to what color Gatorade will be poured on the winning coach. Casual bettors flock to this game in the same way that Brits see the Grand National – the biggest horse racing event across the pond – in order to get involved in what is an unofficial American holiday.
If you have never bet on the Super Bowl – and are keen to have your first shot – this year is set to be one of the biggest games in recent memory. Almost poetically, this is the battle between the stalwarts and the upstarts. A win for the Patriots will see them go down as arguably the greatest dynasty in football history. A win for the rampaging rams will represent a true changing of the guard.
Bill Belichick will surely solidify his claim as the greatest coach in the history of the NFL with a win. At 66-years-old, his days at the helm of the Patriots are numbered, but he is still going strong. Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the sport, is 41-years-old. This fantastic coach/QB partnership are heading into their 9th Super Bowl together. A win would be an unbelievable achievement for the two.
On the opposing side, you have Sean McVay at 32. He is the youngest coach to ever appear in a Super Bowl. It is crazy to think that he is 9 years younger than Brady. Then, there is the Rams quarterback Jared Goff who is just 24-years-old. Technically speaking, Brady is old enough to be his father. Yet, on Sunday, both will go head to head in a battle to determine the true kings of the NFL. Is there no substitute for experience, or will youth prevail?
Everyone knows just how good the Pats’ offensive line has been. Take, for example, the game against the Chiefs. There was just one hit on Brady and no sacks against a team that were tied for sacks in the regular season at 52. Throw in the game against the Chargers, where there were just two QB hits and no sacks. The Pats have David Andrews, Joe Thuney, and Shaq Mason to thank for their impregnable approach.
The Rams, on the other hand, have stood out for their pass rush. Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh have certainly shown their potency this season and could force mistakes from Brady – or at least a few quick throws – as they impose their game on the old guard. It is certainly going to be a game of inches on Sunday, and everyone watching will be glued to the action.
Of course, for all the drama and excitement, keeping a clear head when it comes to placing bets is going to be crucial. For one, you are going to need to choose the right bookmaker in order to get you going. Regardless of whether you are betting from the U.S. or abroad, we have you covered.
US Super Bowl Betting Sites
Non-US Super Bowl Betting Sites
The importance of choosing the right site cannot be underestimated. After all, you want a bookie that provides the best range of bets and markets, makes betting simple, and, of course, pays out swiftly. Security and safety when betting online are crucial, too, so our recommended sites – which come with our seal of approval – will see you in good stead. After all, you want to have a fun and hassle-free experience, right?
For those of you that want to some easy bets to place, these are the ones you should certainly be looking at, first and foremost:
This is effectively a straight up bet on the team that you think will win. If you fancy the Patriots, simply choose the Patriots. If you think the Rams will win, bet the Rams. You couldn’t ask for an easier bet. Now, I know you might be thinking something along the lines of, “why doesn’t everyone just opt for this type of bet?” The answer is that the payout is not as favorable on a moneyline bet on the favorite when backing the favorites.
It is simple: bookmakers will be inundated with bets on the team who are most likely to win the game. As such, the odds for that team will be significantly lower in accordance with the liability the bookmakers have if that team should win. In this case, the favorites are the Patriots. With everyone and their dog betting on Brady and co., bookmakers will slash odds to protect their business.
So, what are the moneyline odds at the moment? Let’s take a look:
The Patriots are -150. The Rams are +125. If you choose the favorites (the Pats) you will receive less potential winnings than if you choose the Rams.
Of course, the point spread is the more popular way to bet on the Super Bowl. After all, the odds are better. When it comes to point spread betting, one team will start the game with a points deficit while the other will start with an advantage.
In Super Bowl 53, the point spread is as follows:
In order to win your bet on the Pats, they will need to win by more than 3 points. In order to win your bet on the Rams, they will need to win by any score, but not lose by more than 3 points. Easy stuff.
Of course, with over/under, prop bets, and a wide range of other markets covered for the big game, you can mix your bets up as you choose. The best thing to do is to head over to one of the recommended sites above and take a look at the endless opportunities to hopefully turn your Super Bowl Sunday into one to truly remember.
So, there you have it. Super Bowl 53 is set to go down as one of the most interesting games in recent memory. From legends to the pretenders set on usurping the throne, who will emerge victorious on Sunday evening? The eyes of the world will be firmly fixed on the good old US of A as the greatest sport in the world showcases the greatest game known to man.
For all of us who dreamed of scoring the winning touchdown in a Super Bowl, there has to come a time when we let go of that vision. I mean, what chance do we have of getting there now that we are in our 30s or 40s and are rocking dad bods? Yes, I know, Tom Brady is 41, but Tom Brady wasn’t chugging Bud Lights and drinking shots of Jameson at Ryan’s housewarming last Saturday while eating hot dogs like they were going out of fashion, was he?
As sad as it sounds – and trust me, I hate to be the one to break it to you – our best chance of being in Mr. Brady’s shoes is to hope reincarnation is an actual thing. If not, we need to find other ways of getting in on the action. Of course, there is always one way, and that is placing a couple of cool bets on the game. Rather than putting our bodies on the line for glory, we can sit back and watch the guys do their thing in order to win us some dollars.
So, yes, by all means, chug some beers, get the hot dogs on, sit back and enjoy the game. After all, it’s Super Bowl 53, for Christ sake. No more Jameson though. Think of mom’s carpet…
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