Big Game Bets

A History of Wagers, Wild Props, and Winning Strategies

Every year, on a fateful Sunday in early February, millions gather around TVs, feasting on buffalo wings and nachos, to witness the biggest football showdown of the year. Its the grand finale of the pigskin season the spectacle that turns even the most casual fans into screaming maniacs for four hours. But let’s be honest, the real thrill isn’t just in the game itself its in the bets.

Betting on The Big Game That Shall Not Be Named has become an American tradition, right up there with commercials that make you cry and halftime shows that make headlines. But how did we get here? And what kind of outrageous bets can you place? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the history of the biggest betting day of the year and how you can get in on the action like a pro.

A Brief History of Betting on The Big Game

When the first championship matchup took place in 1967, the betting landscape was relatively simple. People placed straightforward bets on who would win and by how much. But as the event grew into a cultural phenomenon, so did the ways to wager on it.

The Early Years (1967-1980s)

Betting was mostly limited to money line, point spreads, and over/under totals. But Nevada sports books quickly realized that this game was drawing massive interest, and they could spice things up with more creative bets.

The Prop Bet Boom (1986-Present)

The turning point came in 1986, thanks to a man named William “The Refrigerator” Perry. The oversized Chicago Bears defensive tackle was sometimes used as a goal-line fullback, and Las Vegas bookmakers set odds on whether he would score a touchdown in the Big Game. Spoiler alert: He did. And just like that, prop betting exploded.

The Digital Age & Online Sportsbooks

With the rise of online gambling in the 2000s and the 2018 legalization of sports betting in many U.S. states, the floodgates opened. Now, you can bet on everything from the coin toss to the color of the winning coach’s Gatorade, all from the comfort of your couch.

Prop Bets: The Wild, The Wacky, and The Profitable

Ah, prop bets.. the lifeblood of Big Game betting. These wagers have nothing to do with who wins but everything to do with the chaos surrounding the game. Here are some of the most popular (and ridiculous) ones you’ll find:

Game-Related Prop Bets

Coin Toss: Heads or tails? It’s the ultimate 50/50 shot, and people go nuts over it.

First Touchdown Scorer: Will it be a star player or some random fullback nobody drafted in fantasy?

Total Passing Yards for the QBs: Because nothing says football like crunching passing stats.

Over/Under on Total Points: Will it be a shootout or a defensive slugfest?

Halftime & Commercial Props

Halftime Show First Song: Will the artist open with a classic banger or something unexpected?

Will There Be a Wardrobe Malfunction? This one’s a nod to the 2004 controversy that changed halftime shows forever.

Commercial Appearances: How many times will a certain brand pop up? Is there a celebrity cameo?

Postgame Shenanigans

Gatorade Color Dumped on the Winning Coach: Orange? Blue? The rare and elusive purple?

MVP Speech Props: Will the MVP thank God first? His teammates? His mom?

Will the Losing Coach Cry? High stakes bring high emotions.

How to Bet Smart on The Big Game

Now that we’ve covered the fun stuff, let’s talk strategy. Betting on the Big Game can be profitable if you approach it wisely. Here’s how:

1. Shop for the Best Odds

Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds. A little research can go a long way in getting the best value on your bets.

2. Don’t Fall for the Coin Toss Trap

Yes, it’s tempting to put money on it, but it’s pure luck. Save your bankroll for bets with actual strategy behind them.

3. Consider Live Betting

Sometimes, the best value comes in-game. If a team goes down early but you believe in a comeback, the odds can be juicy.

4. Do Your Research on Player Props

Trends matter. Is a star player nursing an injury? Does one defense give up a lot of yards to tight ends? Small details can lead to big wins.

5. Hedge Your Bets

If you’re sitting on a huge potential win but aren’t confident as the game unfolds, hedge with a bet on the other side to lock in some profit.

6. Don’t Bet with Your Heart

Your favorite team may be playing, but don’t let fandom cloud your judgment. Smart bets beat emotional ones every time.

Final Thoughts: Betting on the Big Game Like a Pro

Betting on the biggest football event of the year is more than just a way to make money, it’s an experience. Whether you are throwing cash on a traditional spread bet or rolling the dice on whether a kicker will miss an extra point, there’s something for everyone.

Just remember to have fun, gamble responsibly, and enjoy the spectacle. After all, it’s not just a football game, it’s a national holiday where betting is part of the tradition.

And if you win big? Just don’t spend it all on nachos.

What is your go-to Big Game bet? Drop your favorite prop bets in the Players Lounge!!