There’s nothing quite like the Super Bowl. It’s always the most-watched U.S. sporting event of the year and the most bet-on game. Over $170 million was bet on last year’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals, so there’s no telling what to expect this season. Regardless of who the final two teams left standing are, don’t fall victim to these five Super Bowl betting mistakes everyone makes.
5) Buying Squares
Someone is going to ask you to buy Super Bowl squares at work—and when they do, you should avoid them like the plague. Super Bowl squares are pure luck, completely random, and offer horrible odds. One missed extra point or safety will have you behind the 8-ball within the game’s first few minutes. While squares are nice for folks who don’t know a thing about either team or want something to root for while watching the big game, you can do better things with your money.
4) Falling for Boosted Odds
Promotional bets and odds boosts are sportsbooks’ way of dangling a carrot in front of a hungry horse. So, you’re telling me something usually -140 is now +150? If it sounds too good to be true, then it more than likely is. There is a reason these books choose these specific props to boost, and it’s not in your best interest.
This year, it feels like Justin Herbert was on the take with one prominent sportsbook because they used him twice for boosted props—only to fail miserably. Now, if a boost is an automatic winner for new users, you can capitalize on that. Otherwise, it would be best if you were wary of the boosted bets.
3) Too Much Research
The two longest weeks of the year for any bettor are the two weeks between the conference championships and the Super Bowl. Many bettors fall into the trap of using this extra time to read everything possible about each team.
Ideally, thorough research should give you an edge, but your mind will be all over the place by Super Bowl Sunday. Every nugget of research will contradict something you read earlier in the week, bending your mind into a pretzel.
2) Betting the Entire Board
The Super Bowl is the ultimate game for betting props. From the run time of the national anthem to the color of the Gatorade dousing the winning coach, you can wager on virtually anything that happens during the game.
While it’s tempting to go wild and place a bet on 10-20 props, it isn’t logical. Instead of casting a wider net and sprinkling action all over the board, choose a few bets you feel confident about. Nickle and diming props are much worse than going heavier on a pair of lines that seem like a foregone conclusion.
1) Same Game Parlays
Boosted parlay odds combine making irrational bets and falling for special promotions, and the sportsbooks will be giving them out like candy. Look into the mirror and repeat to yourself, “I will not bet parlays.” Parlays are a lottery ticket, and missing out on a big payday by one leg will put you in a sour mood. Seeing a $10 bet turn into $200 can tempt you, but you should walk away.
Come February, remember the five Super Bowl betting mistakes everyone makes. While your friends are sulking about their losses, you can watch your account flourish with Pregame’s NFL betting tips. Connecting with us before you bet will put you in the best position to win!