16 winning years for Vegas vs. 2 for bettors
Over $10 Billion expected to be wagered this year
$12 Billion lost by players over last 18 years
Las Vegas, Nevada (January 21, 2009) - The Super Bowl is the biggest single-day sports betting event of the year. According to RJ Bell of Pregame.com, over $10 billion dollars is expected to be wagered on Super Bowl XLIII, by more than 200 million individuals worldwide. Less than 1% of that money will be wagered legally in Nevada.
Since 1991, Nevada has separately tracked Super Bowl betting. In those 18 years, the sportsbooks have won 16 times, with the bettors winning only twice. The bettors had their best year last year, winning a combined $2.5 million dollars on Super Bowl XLII.
2005 was the best year for Nevada sportsbooks, winning $15.4 million. Over the course of 18 years, the sportsbooks have won $100.7 million in total.
RJ Bell of Pregame.com said: "A conservative estimate of Super Bowl betting losses over the last 18 years would exceed $12 billion dollars worldwide."
Super Bowl XL (Steelers/Seahawks) generated the most action, when a record $94.5 million was wagered in Nevada. This year, though the economy is tanking, expect no more than a 5% shortfall from that record.
RJ Bell of Pregame.com said: "Historically, sports betting is resistant to downturns in the economy. During good times, people bet because they have extra money. During bad times, they bet for profit potential and emotional escape."
Super Bowl XLIII has a true marquee team in Pittsburgh, and a true Cinderella in Arizona. Add in the compelling story lines and Arizona's proximity to Las Vegas, and you have the makings of a surprisingly large betting handle.
Arizona would be underdogs vs. 10 teams; read about it here: /blogstore/rj-bell/archive/2009/01/20/arizona-cardinals-would-be-underdogs-vs-10-teams.aspx
22 Super Bowl teams have been favored by 7-points or more, 17 won the game; read about it here: /blogstore/rj-bell/archive/2009/01/19/super-bowl-how-often-do-big-favorites-win.aspx
Las Vegas says the Steelers have a 72% to win this year?s game; read about it here: /blogstore/rj-bell/archive/2009/01/18/vegas-says-steelers-72-chance-to-win-super-bowl.aspx
MEDIA NOTE: Print, radio, TV, and Internet media should feel free to quote any information above. Please attribute: RJ Bell of Pregame.com. For follow-up questions, or media appearances - email: rjbell@pregame.com
Pregame.com is the biggest sports betting news website compliant with US Law. RJ Bell is the only sports bettor on Forbes' recent list of "Gambling Gurus" and has been featured on CBS News with Katie Couric, ABC News with Charles Gibson, Nightline, Sportscenter, Outside the Lines (ESPN), First Take (ESPN2), Mike & Mike, Colin Cowherd, Jim Rome, Dan Patrick, ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, Yahoo, AOL.com, CNN.com and in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, LA Times, Newsweek.com, Bloomberg, Maxim, and Sports Illustrated.
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