ORLANDO, Fla. – As the legal sports betting market continues to expand, more Americans than ever are expected to place a bet on the biggest wagering event of the year.
Legal American sportsbooks are estimated to take in a record $1.39 billion in legal bets for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA).
With 38 states, including Florida, now offering legalized sports betting, it’s never been more popular in society. A 2024 survey from the AGA found that 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, and 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment.
Jennifer Kruse, the executive director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, warns there’s a fine line between having fun and spiraling financially.
“Especially with online gambling, you’re not seeing the money leave your hand, right,” Kruse said. “You’re not seeing it quantifiably leave, so it’s easier for it to get out of hand.”
Since the Hard Rock Bet app came online in the state of Florida, call volume to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has skyrocketed. A News 6 investigation found that roughly 63,000 Floridians reached out for help in 2024, nearly doubling the number of contacts year-over-year.
“It’s about being educated and knowing the odds,” Kruse added. “It’s also understanding that when you gamble, most of the time you’re going to lose.”
Dr. Keith Buckley, a professor of international business at Rollins College, understands the draw of sports betting, especially when it comes to watching the Super Bowl.
“I mean, you can even bet on the National Anthem,” he said. “That’s fine, that’s good entertainment. People just need to be aware that there are consequences.”
His advice to prevent developing a problem: Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose and avoid chasing your losses.
“If you constantly chase your losses, you’re going to go into debt,” Buckley explained. “That’s going to cause long-term issues financially, socially, and it’ll be a real negative in someone’s life.”
If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, you’re encouraged to reach out to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling by calling 888-ADMIT-IT.