A Quick-Start Guide to Betting on the Super Bowl

As one of the biggest single-day sporting events in the world, the Super Bowl game sees significantly more betting activity than any other in the season. And with a selection of match, team and player and novelty prop markets (which we’ll explain shortly) available, there are many ways you can get involved.

This year’s Super Bowl – the 60^th of its kind – gets underway on Sunday 8 February at 11.30 p.m. GMT, with the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Our quick-start guide covers the main things you need to know about American football, the Super Bowl and the betting markets that come with it so that anyone – NFL regular or casual viewer – can get involved.

Why the Super Bowl is different

The Super Bowl isn't just a football game; it's a cultural event. The half-time show attracts viewers who don't follow NFL football, and commercials that get played between breaks are dissected and discussed.

This cultural weight creates betting markets you won’t find in regular season games. Novelty props, half-time show bets and game specials all reflect the Super Bowl's status beyond sports.

For betting purposes, this means opportunities exist for casual engagement alongside traditional football markets. You can bet as normal on game outcomes or more lightly on novelty props.

NFL game basics

This overview is by no means exhaustive, but the aim is to give you enough of an understanding of what’s happening in a game.

American football is played between two teams of 11 on-field players, and the objective is to move the ball down a 100-yard field and score by getting it into the opponent’s end zone (the 10-yard scoring area at each end of the pitch).

A touchdown is worth six points, and a field goal (kicking the ball through the goalposts) is worth three. After a successful touchdown, the scoring team has the chance to score one extra point (by kicking the ball through the goalposts 32 yards away) or two extra points (by running or passing the ball into the end zone from two yards). The former is far more common due to its higher chance of success.

A team has four attempts (known as ‘downs’) to advance the ball 10 yards. If they do, they get a fresh set of four downs. If not, the opposing team gains possession. When possession changes hands, you’ll see players coming off the pitch for both teams. That’s because each team has their own set of offensive players and defensive players.

A game is made up of four 15-minute quarters, and a half-time break takes place after the second quarter. The team with the most points at the end is the winner. If scores are level at the end of the four quarters, the game goes into overtime, which lasts 10 minutes and ends as soon as one team scores. If no team scores within these 10 minutes, the game ends as a draw, though this is rare.

Comprising 32 teams split across two conferences – the AFC (American Football Conference) and the NFC (National Football Conference) – the NFL is the top professional American football league. The regular NFL season starts in September and wraps up in December, making way for the knockout-format playoffs, which run throughout January and lead to the Super Bowl game. The Super Bowl itself is the championship game between the AFC and NFC winners.

If you're curious to learn more about how American football works, check out our comprehensive NFL Betting guide.

Super Bowl LX: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl LX sees the New England Patriots (AFC champions) take on the Seattle Seahawks (NFC champions) at Levi's Stadium on Sunday 8 February.

The kickoff time is slated for 11:30 p.m. GMT, which is 6:30 p.m. in California.

Most popular Super Bowl betting markets

Moneyline

The American football equivalent of a match winner market. With a moneyline bet, you’re backing which team you think wins the game.

Point spread

Known as a handicap betting in other sports, a point spread market features point advantages and deficits.

Taking the Seahawks at –4.5 means they’re considered favourites, and must win by five points or more for your bet to land. On the other hand, taking the Patriots as +4.5 underdogs means they can lose by four points or fewer – or win outright – and your bet lands.

Total points (over/under)

Decide whether the combined score of the two teams will exceed or fall short of a set figure. There is a range of over and under markets – the key is finding a figure you think is most realistic.

For example, a bet on the over at 33.5 will be a success if the final combined score is 34+. Taking the under at 33.5 means you think the final score will be 33 or less.

First touchdown scorer

Choose who you think will score the game’s first touchdown. Odds are attached to individual running backs, wide receivers and tight ends, while defence players’ odds are grouped into an ‘any other player’ market.

Anytime touchdown scorer

Back a player to score a touchdown at some point in the game, including overtime. Odds for this market are better than first touchdown scorer as it’s not restricted to the opening score.

Half-time/full-time

Here, you’re predicting which team will win the first half of the game and which team will win the game at full-time, with nine possible outcomes including draws.

Quick example: a bet on ‘New England Patriots/New England Patriots’ means you think the Patriots will win the first half and the game, while one on ‘Seattle Seahawks/New England Patriots’ means you think the Seahawks will be winning at half-time, but the Patriots win the game.

Super Bowl MVP

Choose who you think will win the Most Valuable Player award given after the game. Quarterbacks are usually the favourites for this market, but outstanding performances by any player can win them the MVP.

Prop bets

The Super Bowl generates hundreds of prop bets covering player statistics, team achievements and novelty outcomes. These range from quarterback passing yards to team shutouts. Check out our guide on prop bets for more details.

How to bet on Super Bowl LX

Choose your markets carefully. There's no need to bet on everything. Focus on the markets you understand or find most interesting.

Research both teams. Delve into their regular season records, playoff performances and recent injury reports. In doing so, you’ll have a better understanding of the teams’ strengths and weaknesses going into the game.

Consider the setting. The Super Bowl is unique, and over 100 million fans tune in to watch. Some players thrive under that pressure, while others struggle, and coaches with experience in the Super Bowl can have a better handle on in-game tactical adjustments.

Check the weather. Levi’s Stadium is outdoors, and certain weather conditions – like strong winds - can affect passing and kicking accuracy as well as overall gameplay.

Don't ignore prop bets. If you don’t find traditional markets interesting, there are plenty of alternatives in the form of prop bets. Certain player statistics, game events and novelty markets are all options you can choose from.

Set a budget. The excitement the Super Bowl generates is undeniable, but that excitement shouldn't override discipline. Decide what you're comfortable staking and stick to it. If you want some tips on creating a budget, check out our How to Set a Betting Budget article.

Super Bowl betting for UK viewers

With an 11:30 p.m. GMT kickoff, the Super Bowl is a late-night event for those of us watching in the UK. Obviously, the timing suits night owls, but it’s worth considering whether tiredness affects decision-making as it gets later into the night.

Those wanting to watch can do so on Channel 5, but anyone with a Sky Sports subscription can tune in from 10 p.m. GMT for pre-game coverage. The game typically lasts between three to four hours, so if you’re planning to watch the whole thing, you can expect to stay up until at 3 a.m.

As the league’s popularity has gone from strength to strength over the years, many establishments now host Super Bowl watch parties for dedicated fans. And while betting can add to the engagement, the focus should remain on the entertainment aspect the event brings.

Get ready for action

The Super Bowl is American football's championship game, and Super Bowl LX on Sunday 8th February 2026 features the Patriots against the Seahawks at Levi's Stadium.

Betting markets range from straightforward match odds and point spreads to detailed prop bets covering player performances and novelty outcomes. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL fan or a casual viewer enjoying the spectacle, markets exist for various levels of engagement.

Research the teams, understand the markets you're betting on and set a budget. The Super Bowl is entertainment first, and betting should enhance that experience rather than overshadow it.

Kickoff is around 11:30 p.m. GMT. The game, the half-time show and the atmosphere make it worth staying up for, whether you're betting or just watching.

We have plenty of other insightful sports articles over on the Bally Bet Sports & Casino blog. Head there now if you want straightforward betting explainers and sporting event primers.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.