The Super Bowl offers more ways to bet than almost any other event on the calendar. Whether you want a simple win/loss wager or something more exotic, knowing how each bet type works before you fund an account saves you money and frustration.
What are the main Super Bowl bet types?
There are six core wager formats you'll find at every licensed sportsbook. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Bet Type | What You're Wagering On | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Which team wins outright, no spread | Beginners who want simplicity |
| Point Spread | Favorite wins by more than X points; underdog loses by fewer | Bettors who think a game will be close or lopsided |
| Total (Over/Under) | Combined final score over or under a set number | Bettors focused on game pace, not a winner |
| Prop Bet | A specific in-game or off-field event | Casual bettors; stat-focused fans |
| Parlay | Multiple legs combined; all must win | Higher-risk, higher-reward players |
| Futures | Picking a champion well before the game | Season-long bettors chasing big odds |
How does the moneyline work?
The moneyline is the most straightforward bet: pick the winner. Odds reflect implied probability. A heavy favorite carries a negative number (you risk more to win less); an underdog carries a positive number (you risk less to win more). That's it.
The point spread adds a handicap. The favorite must win by more than that margin for a spread bet on them to cash. Upsets and backdoor covers happen every year in the Super Bowl, so spreads aren't trivial.
What about totals?
Totals, or over/unders, ask whether both teams' combined score exceeds a set number. You're not picking a winner at all. I find totals useful when I have a strong read on offensive or defensive matchups but no firm conviction on which team wins outright.
Odds comparisons matter here too. Super Bowl totals aren't identical across books, so a quick look at licensed Super Bowl betting sites before you lock in can be worth a few extra dollars of value.
What are Super Bowl prop bets?
Props are wagers on specific events inside — or around — the game. Player passing yards, first touchdown scorer, the length of the national anthem, halftime show predictions. Bovada alone has been cited offering over 1,000 Super Bowl prop bets. Licensed books offer hundreds of their own. Read the full guide to Super Bowl prop bets to understand how to read lines and pick markets that suit your knowledge.
How do parlays raise the stakes?
A parlay chains multiple legs into one bet. Win them all, you collect a multiplied payout. Lose even one, the whole ticket loses. It's high variance by design. Before you build a same-game parlay on Super Bowl Sunday, check out how Super Bowl parlays work so you know exactly what you're getting into.
Should I bet futures?
Futures let you pick the champion weeks or months before the game. After the Eagles won Super Bowl 59, their odds to repeat opened around +550 — decent value if you believed in them early. Super Bowl futures betting rewards patience and early conviction, but your money is tied up the whole time.
Which bet type is right for you?
Casual bettors usually enjoy props most. They're low stakes, entertaining throughout the game, and don't require deep football knowledge. Spread and moneyline bets suit anyone with a strong opinion on the matchup. Parlays and futures are for bettors comfortable with variance and longer time horizons.
Whatever format you choose, make sure you're at a state-licensed book. Start at our guide to where to bet on the Super Bowl to find legal options in your state. Also worth checking: Super Bowl betting promos that can add bonus bets on top of your first wager at most major platforms.
Must be 21+ (18+ in select states). If gambling is becoming a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.