Sports betting expected to see record amount wagered

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - As more states legalize sports betting, NFL fans are expected to spend more than ever on wagers for this year’s big game.

“We do see a trend upward in the number of bets placed on single games,” says Cory Thone, public information officer for the Kansas Lottery. “But I think the number of overall bets when you factor in the games, kind of remains around the same more or less until you get into the playoffs, then people are engaging with less games more frequently.”

The American Gaming Association projects a record 23 billion in wagers on the big game. Thone says the Chiefs underdog reputation could be generating interest in Kansas.

“Betting on the underdog is always fun,” he says. “It’s even better when it’s your favorite team your local team and it’s even better when they keep winning.”

A recent CBS poll shows one in five NFL fans plan to bet on the game.

“February engagement last year on sports betting during the NFL teams our game was a little higher than we anticipated,” Thone says. “So we’re kind of thinking we’re going to see the same thing this year as well.”

Prairie Band Casino and Resort is offering Chiefs-themed specials to capitalize on the trend.

“We have a very lucky 15-point multiplier on Sunday,” says John Tuckwin, marketing director for Prairie Band Casino and Resort. “It’s the 58th Super Bowl and so if you’re in 58 points, we’re going to give you different opportunities to win $58, $580 or 580,000 points.”

Not only are Americans projected to wager more than ever but a record 68 million people are expected to place bets.