Super Bowl LIX betting shatters records: Key insights for the iGaming industry

Super Bowl LIX betting shatters records: Key insights for the iGaming industry 

The Super Bowl is not just the biggest event on the busy North American sporting calendar—it’s also the most significant betting day of the year, and it only gets bigger with each passing season.  

With legal sports betting expanding across the United States, Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles saw unprecedented wagering activity, breaking records and providing key insights into the evolving iGaming landscape.  

Record-breaking betting figures 

Legal sports betting on Super Bowl 59 is projected to have exceeded $1.5 billion across 38 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This marks a significant milestone in the regulated US market, highlighting growing bettor engagement and increasing the adoption of legal sportsbooks.  

State-by-state breakdown 

• New Jersey: Surpassed expectations with $169 million in handle and $25.2 million in revenue. 

• New York: Reported $155 million in handle, generating a substantial $47.4 million in revenue. 

• Nevada: Maintained its stronghold with $152 million in handle, producing $22.1 million in revenue. 

• Pennsylvania: Set a state record with $102 million in wagers; however, sportsbooks recorded a $6.5 million loss, reflecting heavy bettor success. 

Record years for BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook 

Beyond the industry stalwarts, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook also reported that Super Bowl LIX was the most-bet single sporting event in their respective histories. The latter also claimed that it was the first Super Bowl where game parlays were more popular than classic straight wagers. 

Bettors had the edge with BetMGM, as 60% of tickets and 56% of the money backed the Eagles to win at +100 on the money line. Additionally, 54% of bets and 64% of the handle were on Philadelphia as a +1.5-point underdog. 

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another in his team’s 40-22 victory, attracted the most money at +375 to win Super Bowl MVP and had the second-highest number of tickets wagered on him. 

Record-breaking engagement 

Big-hitters FanDuel and DraftKings reported record-breaking engagement:  

• FanDuel: A staggering 16.6 million bets were placed over the day, which is a 19% increase from the previous year. 70,000 bets were placed per minute at their peak, which is a new record across the industry.   

• DraftKings: Over 12 million bets from 2.5 million customers. They peaked at 59,000 bets per minute just minutes before the action got underway at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans.  

Additionally, GeoComply recorded a 14% increase in geolocation activity, with 724,000 new accounts created during Super Bowl weekend, underscoring the surging demand for digital sports betting.  

Bettor trends and market takeaways 

The increasing adoption of legal sports betting and the reliance on digital platforms have paved the way for record engagement. Sportsbooks that offer seamless, real-time betting experiences are well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum. Furthermore, betting patterns indicate that players are becoming more strategic, leveraging promotions and odds boosts to maximize value.  

Bettors are more engaged than ever 

The continued expansion of the regulated market means sportsbooks must focus on user experience, competitive odds, and responsible gaming to retain bettors beyond marquee events like the Super Bowl.  

Tech-driven betting is the future 

The surge in mobile betting highlights the critical role of technology and innovation. Operators that invest in seamless app functionality, live betting and personalized offerings will be best positioned to capitalize on growing demand.  

The role of responsible gaming 

With record numbers of bets placed, the industry must continue to prioritize responsible gaming initiatives. Ensuring compliance and promoting player protection tools will be vital as the market continues to mature.  

What this means for those in the industry 

For operators, affiliates, and marketers in the iGaming space, the key takeaways from Super Bowl LIX are clear:  

• Scale matters: The expanding legal market presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly in emerging states.  

• Mobile is king: Prioritizing mobile-first betting experiences is essential for future success.  

• Responsible gaming remains paramount: Operators must integrate responsible gaming tools and messaging into their marketing strategies. 

• Big events drive engagement: Leveraging major sporting events with tailored promotions and user incentives can maximize acquisition and retention.