Betting on Super Bowl LIX? Big Game Presents Big Consumer Safety Concerns

Posted on: February 4, 2025, 03:39h. 

Last updated on: February 4, 2025, 03:40h.

More than 70 million people in the United States are expected to place some sort of wager on this Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX. For those interested in making a traditional sports bet — a moneyline, spread, or over/under, for example — state gaming regulators across the country are encouraging the public to only engage with legal, regulated sportsbooks.

Super Bowl betting legal sportsbook
The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is the site of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. State gaming regulators are encouraging the public to only bet on the big game with a legal sportsbook. (Image: CNN)

People in 38 states and Washington, D.C., will be able to place a legal wager on the two-time defending NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. But with regulated mobile wagering limited to 30 of those jurisdictions, plus D.C., many consumers will seek an easier path to betting than driving to a physical casino sportsbook or into a state where internet wagers are allowed.

However, state gaming regulators are cautioning the public that utilizing an illegal bookie or making a bet on an unregulated illegal offshore sportsbook website comes with no consumer safeguards, including the guarantee that a winning bet will be paid. 

Legal Sportsbooks Provide Protections 

A Google search for online sportsbooks will turn up a slew of unsavory platforms that are not legal betting outfits. Some disguise themselves as sweepstakes casinos that offer bets on sports, while other gaming websites claim they operate lawfully through licenses held in foreign countries.

Before Super Bowl LIX kicks off this Sunday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is urging those who choose to bet to do so with an operator licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, residents must understand the importance of choosing legal and regulated platforms that prioritize consumer safety and fair play,” the MGC said in an advisory message.

On Monday, the Florida Gaming Control Commission told three illegal online gambling outfits to stop accepting customers from the Sunshine State. The state gaming regulatory sent cease-and-desist letters to BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie — all operate online sports betting.

In Florida, the Seminole Tribe and its Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook hold a monopoly on sports betting, both in-person and online.

In Arizona, the state’s Department of Gaming reminded bettors to “bet responsibly and within the bounds of the law.”

We encourage all Arizonans to enjoy the game responsibly by ensuring their wagers are placed legally and thoughtfully,” said Arizona Department of Gaming Director Jackie Johnson. “Illegal gambling undermines public safety and the integrity of the game, while responsible betting practices help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.”

Notable Super Bowl Bets 

Many big bets from sharks will come in during the home stretch leading up to the 6:30 pm EST kickoff this Sunday in New Orleans, but several sportsbooks are already reporting large wagers.

BetRivers, legal in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, took an $83,500 bet on -835 odds that no player on either team will score both a rushing and receiving touchdown. The bet would net $10K.

A single bettor at BetMGM — legal in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming — took a $300K bet on the Eagles winning the first half being spotted a half-point and $800K on the Eagles moneyline (+100).