The Philadelphia Eagles were not the only winners of Super Bowl LIX—betting platforms also reaped significant rewards. Sportsbooks reported a surge in app activity throughout the game, including a notable increase in both downloads and wagers. A BetMGM executive shared with MarketWatch that this Super Bowl was “one of the best single game results in company history,” marking it as the company’s largest betting event to date. (MGM Grand, BetMGM’s parent company, is partially owned by Investopedia’s parent.)
The year has begun strongly for online sports betting, with a 20% increase in the “handle”—the total amount of money wagered—during January, according to state data analyzed by Bank of America. This figure is significantly higher than the amount wagered in December.
FanDuel, owned by Flutter Entertainment, saw over 16 million bets placed, reflecting a nearly 20% increase from last year’s Super Bowl. Many fans placed bets on a high-scoring game, selecting the “over” on the point-total wager, which was set at 48.5. With the final score at 40-22, these bets paid off. Bank of America analysts noted that sportsbooks likely benefited from the Eagles’ victory, as well as key defensive plays, such as keeping the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley out of the end zone.
Record-Breaking Sportsbook Activity
Sportsbooks reported unprecedented activity leading up to and during Super Bowl LVIII. Mobile betting platforms, such as BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings, saw a surge in downloads and wager placements. BetMGM, for example, reported that this year’s Super Bowl was “one of the best single game results in company history,” with the highest volume of bets ever placed on the platform. This is a clear indication of the increasing popularity of mobile sports betting, which has been growing steadily since the legalization of sports wagering in several states.
A 20% Jump in Bets Compared to Last Year
In total, over $16 billion was wagered on Super Bowl LVIII, with many sportsbooks reporting significant increases in the number of bets placed compared to the previous year. One standout statistic: over 16 million bets were placed on FanDuel, a nearly 20% increase from the previous Super Bowl. This surge was driven by both new users joining the platforms and existing bettors ramping up their activity.
The growth in betting activity is in line with a broader trend in the sports betting industry, with online platforms continuing to see substantial growth in terms of handle—the total amount of money wagered. According to Bank of America, January’s sports betting handle was up more than 20% compared to December, showing that Americans are increasingly confident in placing bets on high-profile events like the Super Bowl.
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Types of Bets Americans Placed
When it comes to Super Bowl betting, the options are nearly limitless. While many fans bet on the outcome of the game, others prefer prop bets, which cover specific events or scenarios that may or may not occur during the game. This year, a significant number of wagers focused on the total points scored in the game, with many fans betting on the “over” for the game’s total point count, which was set at 48.5. With a final score of 40-22 in favor of the Eagles, those who took the “over” walked away victorious.
Aside from point totals, bettors also favored prop bets related to individual player performances. Among the most popular were wagers on player touchdowns, passing yards, and MVP selections. With big names like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts on the field, it’s no surprise that fans had high expectations for individual player achievements, which translated into substantial betting activity.
Legalization and Growth of Sports Betting
A significant factor in the boom of Super Bowl betting activity is the continued expansion of legal sports betting across the United States. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to strike down the federal ban on sports betting, states have rushed to regulate and legalize the practice. As of 2025, more than 30 states have legalized sports betting, and many have implemented online platforms for mobile betting, making it easier than ever for fans to place their wagers.
States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan have become hotbeds for legal sports betting, with millions of dollars wagered on a single event like the Super Bowl. The rapid expansion has not only boosted tax revenue for states, but has also made sports betting more accessible and mainstream, creating a thriving industry that continues to grow each year.
The Future of Super Bowl Betting
As the Super Bowl continues to captivate the nation, it’s clear that the sports betting landscape is evolving. With increasing amounts of money wagered on everything from the game’s outcome to prop bets and in-game markets, Americans are embracing the entertainment and thrill that sports betting provides. The expansion of legalized sports betting across the country is likely to drive even more interest and activity in future Super Bowls, with sportsbooks expected to continue innovating and offering new ways for fans to engage with the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money was wagered on the Super Bowl this year?
Over $16 billion was wagered on Super Bowl LVIII, making it one of the largest betting events of the year. Sportsbooks across the country reported significant increases in betting activity, driven by both new and returning bettors.
What is the “handle” in sports betting?
The “handle” refers to the total amount of money wagered on bets. In the case of Super Bowl LVIII, the handle was up more than 20% in January compared to the previous month, reflecting the growing popularity of sports betting, especially for major events like the Super Bowl.
Did Americans favor prop bets this year?
Yes, prop bets were very popular during this year’s Super Bowl. Many bettors placed wagers on individual player performances, such as how many touchdowns a player would score or which player would be named MVP. Prop bets offer fans a chance to get more involved in the game beyond just the final score.
How much did betting activity increase from last year?
FanDuel saw a nearly 20% increase in the number of bets placed on this year’s Super Bowl compared to the previous year. Other sportsbooks also reported significant growth in activity, highlighting the increasing popularity of Super Bowl betting.
How has sports betting evolved in the U.S.?
Since the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to allow states to legalize sports betting, more than 30 states have enacted laws to regulate the practice. The legalization of mobile and online sports betting has made it easier for people to place bets from their smartphones, leading to a surge in betting activity during major events like the Super Bowl.
What role did mobile betting play in this year’s Super Bowl?
Mobile betting played a significant role in the Super Bowl this year. Platforms like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings saw a sharp increase in downloads and bet placements, as many fans opted to place their wagers via smartphones and other mobile devices. This ease of access has contributed to the growing popularity of sports betting.
Conclusion
Super Bowl LVIII highlighted the growing impact of sports betting in the United States, with Americans placing over $16 billion in wagers, a significant increase from previous years. This year’s event saw a surge in mobile betting activity, with platforms like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings breaking records in terms of both downloads and the total amount of money wagered. As states continue to legalize sports betting, and mobile platforms make wagering more accessible than ever, it’s clear that this trend will only continue to rise.
