The Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest sporting event in the United States—it’s also one of the most popular days for sports betting. Millions of fans place wagers not only on who will win the game but also on everything from the first touchdown to the color of the Gatorade poured on the winning coach. For many, betting is part of the fun, but to make the most of it, it helps to understand the most common types of bets. Here’s a breakdown of how Super Bowl betting works and what to keep in mind before placing your wagers.

Moneyline – Who Will Win the Game?

The simplest type of bet is the moneyline. You’re simply picking which team will win the game. Each team is assigned odds that reflect its chances of winning. The favorite has lower odds, meaning a smaller payout, while the underdog offers a higher payout if they pull off the upset.

Example: If the Kansas City Chiefs are favored over the San Francisco 49ers, a bet on the Chiefs will pay less than a bet on the 49ers—but the Chiefs are also more likely to win.

Moneyline bets are great for beginners because they’re straightforward and don’t require understanding point spreads or total scores.

Point Spread – How Big Will the Win Be?

One of the most popular types of football bets is the point spread. Here, it’s not just about who wins, but by how much. The sportsbook sets a “spread” that the favorite must win by for the bet to pay out.

Example: If the Chiefs are favored by -3.5 points, they must win by at least 4 points for a bet on them to win. If you bet on the 49ers, you win if they either win the game outright or lose by 3 points or fewer.

Point spread betting keeps both sides interesting, since both teams can “cover” depending on the margin of victory.

Over/Under – How Many Points Will Be Scored?

An over/under bet (also called a totals bet) focuses on the combined number of points scored by both teams. The sportsbook sets a line—say, 48.5 points—and you predict whether the final total will be over or under that number.

This type of bet is popular because you don’t have to pick a winner. You’re simply betting on whether the game will be a high-scoring shootout or a defensive battle.

Prop Bets – The Fun and Creative Wagers

The Super Bowl is famous for its prop bets (short for proposition bets), which cover everything from game-related events to entertainment moments. Some props are about the action on the field—like who will score the first touchdown or how many passing yards a quarterback will throw for. Others are more lighthearted, such as the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach or how long the national anthem will last.

Prop bets are a huge part of the Super Bowl experience because they let everyone—hardcore fans and casual viewers alike—join in the excitement.

Live Betting – Wager as the Game Unfolds

With live betting, you can place wagers while the game is in progress. Odds shift in real time based on what’s happening on the field. If one team jumps out to an early lead, the odds for both the moneyline and point spread will adjust accordingly.

Live betting requires quick thinking and a good sense of the game’s momentum, but it can also offer opportunities to find value that wasn’t obvious before kickoff.

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Futures – Betting on the Season Ahead

Futures bets are placed well before the Super Bowl is played. You can wager on which team will win the championship, who will be named MVP, or which teams will make it to the big game. The earlier you place a futures bet, the higher the potential payout—but also the greater the uncertainty.

Futures are popular among fans who follow the NFL season closely and want to stay invested in their team’s performance over the long haul.

Responsible Betting – Enjoy the Game Wisely

No matter which type of bet you choose, remember that betting should be fun—not a way to make money. Set a budget, stick to it, and only wager what you can afford to lose. The Super Bowl is, above all, a celebration of sports and community. Betting can add to the excitement, but it should always stay within healthy limits.