Super Bowl bets

Though the new American football season has yet to formally kick off, it’s a fair bet that as the NFL is limited to just 256 games a season, every one of the 2010/11 fixtures will be a sell-out.

The game’s value is maintained by limiting the amount of action screened on television and by a commitment to share the spoils of its commercial success equally. It is also greatly assisted by the worldwide success of the Super Bowl, for many punters, American sport’s annual denouement.

It follows that Super Bowl betting is incredibly popular.

Betting on the Super Bowl is a US institution and the sheer range of Super Bowl betting odds, the availability of free bets offered by online bookmakers and the variety of Super Bowl betting tips ensures there’s plenty for everyone.

It helps that Super Bowl betting is not limited to a US audience. Thanks to live television coverage on this side of the Atlantic, Super Bowl bets are extremely popular amongst UK bettors who take full advantage of the internet to place their stakes at times when high street bookies are closed.

Part of the reason for American football’s appeal is its innate competitiveness. In short, any NFL side can lift the game’s biggest prize, a factor which adds significant spice to Super Bowl betting.

Not surprisingly, betting on the Super Bowl increases enormously during the run-up to what is the de facto American football final each February, although beforehand, each team’s odds fluctuate as it becomes evident they will not be making an appearance in the world’s most dramatic sporting finale.

“We invariably have predictions about how much TV advertising time will sell for and the game’s economic impact, but we should not ignore the volume of Super Bowl bets,” says one online bookmaker. “Granted, our free bet offers help to some degree, but Super Bowl odds capture punters’ attention and the Super Bowl bet becomes as much a part of the game as crazy ad campaigns and enjoying a beer.”

Super Bowl betting odds encompass a variety of different markets – from the standard ‘win-lose’ predictions to a game’s total points, first scoring action, points spread, half time / full time and dozens of others.

“In some respects, a bet on Super Bowl outcomes is similar to betting on say, English soccer,” claims one professional gambler. “Matches are nearly always tight and anyone undertaking research into previous fixtures and results can quickly establish scoring trends and highlights from specific games. This helps explain Super Bowl betting odds and work as a predictor of future outcomes. Remember though –most games are very close.”

At present, the new campaign is still at the pre-season stage. There are no standings or results which punters can use as the basis for their Super Bowl bet, although this has not prevented those who enjoy a dabble in antepost markets. Super Bowl odds will not begin to form until the new season is a few games old and the standings begin to take shape. History shows us that it’s not unusual for one team to hit the top of the table early in their campaign and stay there all season. They’re often good bets to make it all the way to the final, though their odds will reflect this.

Gridiron’s army of enthusiasts are currently readying themselves for the new season, while internet-savvy folk are already engaging in a modicum of online Super Bowl betting. And why not. The set-up at the NFL highlights the fact that it is possible for pro sports teams to share their respective success. So while 2010-11 Super Bowl odds may be in their infancy because no team has played yet, you can guarantee the new season will be as competitive as any other. Long may it continue.