How to Bet on Super Bowl LX: Where to Bet, What to Wager, and How It Works

If you’ve never placed a sports bet before, the thought of betting on the Super Bowl can feel intimidating. Between odds, spreads, prop bets, and dozens of sportsbooks competing for your attention, it’s easy to overthink the process.

This guide breaks it down simply so you’ll learn how to bet on the Super Bowl step-by-step.

We cover how to choose a legitimate sportsbook, what types of bets make sense for beginners, and how to place secure bets while traveling using a VPN. We’ll also cover where it’s legal to bet in the U.S. and what to watch out for from a compliance and security standpoint.

How to bet on Super Bowl LX

If you’re in a state that allows online sports betting or DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) platforms, placing a Super Bowl bet is a straightforward process. Here's how to legally bet on the Super Bowl.

1. Confirm your state allows online sports betting or DFS

Sports betting availability is determined by your physical location (i.e., the state you’re placing the bet from), not where you live or where your account is registered.

Before trying to place a bet, confirm whether your state allows online sports betting.

• Check the sportsbook’s “Where We’re Live” page.
• Or visit your state gaming commission’s website, e.g., Florida.

Some states allow DFS contests but not traditional sportsbooks, and a small number still prohibit both. DFS platforms (like PrizePicks or Underdog) let you build lineups based on player performance (yards, touchdowns, points, etc.) and compete against other users or the house. You’re not betting directly on a team to win.

Traditional sportsbooks (like FanDuel, DraftKings Sportsbook, or BetMGM) let you place standard wagers on game outcomes, moneyline, point spreads, totals, and prop bets.

2. Select an online casino or DFS sportsbook

Not all sportsbooks are equal. Some are built for scale, compliance, and payout reliability, with strict identity and age verification (21+ in most states, 18+ on some DFS platforms). Others are built to acquire users aggressively and worry about compliance later. On Super Bowl weekend, that difference becomes very obvious.

Focus on these factors:

1. Start with licensing and regulation. Only use state-approved sportsbooks. Avoid offshore platforms — they’re the most common source of frozen accounts and denied withdrawals. Unregulated sportsbooks only need basic info like your name and an email address, whereas regulated sportsbooks require proof of identity (and location).
2. Check odds quality and market coverage. A good sportsbook offers moneylines, spreads, totals, and props at competitive prices.
3. Be cautious with bonuses and rollover terms. Many require 10x+ wagering before withdrawal. Always read the fine print.
4. Finally, assess the mobile app and live betting performance. Speed and stability matter. Lag and failed bets cost money.

Well-known, regulated platforms are always the safer choice.

3. Create and verify your account

All legitimate sportsbooks require identity verification, also known as Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. To register, you’ll typically need proof of identity, including your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and/or the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN).

4. Deposit funds securely

Use payment methods that offer fraud protection and traceability, such as:

• Debit cards
• Bank transfers (ACH)
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Other secure online wallets

Avoid wire transfers, prepaid cards, or any method that bypasses standard consumer protections.

Before depositing, set a tight budget. For most beginners, $20–$100 total for the entire game is a reasonable range. That’s enough to place one or two simple bets without chasing losses or overexposing yourself.

Never bet money you can’t afford to lose. The Super Bowl is entertainment, not an investment strategy.

5. Understand Super Bowl bet types

This is where beginners get overwhelmed. You don’t need to bet everything. Start simple.

• Moneyline bets are the simplest option. You’re picking the team you think will win the game outright.
• Point spread bets are based on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by the spread, while the underdog can win or lose within it.
• Totals (Over/Under) bets are wagers on whether the combined score will be over or under the sportsbook’s number.
• Prop bets focus on player stats or game events, such as touchdowns, yards, or which team scores first.
• Live or in-game betting lets you place bets during the game as odds update in real time.

6. Place your bet and track it

Before confirming, double-check the odds, wager amount, and selection. Most beginner mistakes happen here.

Once placed, the bet is locked. Your sportsbook will show the potential payout and bet status in your account. Some platforms offer cash-out options, letting you exit early for a partial return. This can reduce risk, but the payout is usually lower than letting the bet ride.

7. Practice responsible betting

This matters more than people admit. Keep these tips in mind when betting responsibly:

1. Set deposit limits.
2. Avoid chasing losses.
3. Don’t bet emotionally.
4. Don’t double down after a bad beat.

Smart bettors survive. Impulsive bettors donate.

How to bet on the Super Bowl while traveling (step-by-step)

If you’re new to sports betting, traveling can make things confusing. Laws are enforced based on where you physically are, not where you live or where your account is registered. If online betting isn’t legal in your current state, sportsbooks will block access. That’s normal.

This section focuses on staying secure and following the rules while traveling, not bypassing restrictions. Always confirm betting is legal in your location. If it is, the main risk becomes network security, and that’s where a virtual private network (VPN) comes in.

When you use hotel Wi-Fi, airport networks, or public hotspots, your data can be exposed. A VPN protects your data by encrypting your connection so that your activity can’t be easily intercepted.

NordVPN is a popular choice because it’s fast, easy to use, and works on phones, tablets, and computers. Think of a VPN as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet.

Step 1: Install NordVPN and enable the kill switch

Install the NordVPN app on the device you use for betting and log in. 

In Settings, enable the kill switch to prevent your data from being exposed if the connection drops.

Step 2: Connect to a server in your current state

Connect to a server that matches the state you are physically in, not your home state. The VPN is for security, not location spoofing. 

Using a VPN to fake your location violates sportsbook rules and can result in your account being banned.

Step 3: Make sure location services are on

Ensure GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth location services are enabled. Sportsbooks use these signals to confirm you’re in a legal betting state. If they’re off, access may be blocked.

Step 4: Log in using the secure connection

Open your sportsbook app and log in as usual. Your credentials and payment data are now encrypted, reducing the risk of account theft on public networks.

Where is it legal to place online sports bets in the U.S.?

There’s an important distinction between online casinos (full casino games + sports betting) and DFS sportsbooks (sports-focused platforms).

U.S. states that allow online casinos

Only 7 states currently allow full online casinos, but 38 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico allow online sports betting through sportsbooks or DFS platforms. Here are the 7 that allow full online casinos:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia

U.S. states that don’t allow sportsbooks

If you attempt to place a bet from one of these states, the sportsbook will usually block access, your account may be restricted, and bets may be voided:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• California
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Minnesota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

Best practices to avoid account issues

Treat your sportsbook account like a bank account. Enable two-factor authentication, avoid shared devices, don’t save passwords on public computers, and always log out.

If online betting isn’t legal where you are, don’t try to force access. Use retail sportsbooks, legal DFS platforms if permitted, or wait until you return to a legal area.

Sportsbooks strictly prohibit VPN misuse, location manipulation, and account sharing. Violating these rules can lead to frozen balances, restricted accounts, or permanent bans.

10 best sportsbooks for the Super Bowl

Here are well-known platforms commonly used for Super Bowl betting. Availability varies by state.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel is one of the largest U.S. operators, with strong odds markets, deep props, and a polished app.
2. DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook is excellent for beginners. It has a clean interface, strong promotions, and broad market coverage.
3. PrizePicks: PrizePicks is DFS-focused and is popular for player prop-style contests and simplified formats.
4. Stake: Stake is a crypto-friendly platform with international reach. Availability depends on jurisdiction.
5. BetMGM: This is backed by MGM Resorts. It provides strong integration with retail casinos and consistent promos.
6. Caesars Sportsbook: This is a well-established brand with aggressive Super Bowl promotions and large betting pools.
7. Bet365: Bet365 is known for deep live-betting markets and competitive odds.
8. Fanatics Sportsbook: Fanatics is a newer entrant, with a strong brand presence and aggressive growth strategy.
9. ESPN BET: This is integrated with ESPN content and designed for mainstream sports fans.
10. BetRivers: BetRivers has regional strength with solid usability and customer support.

Bottom line

If you’re new to sports betting and gambling, the Super Bowl is actually a good place to start — if you approach it correctly. The process is simple:

1. Confirm legality.
2. Choose a regulated sportsbook.
3. Start with basic bets.
4. Set a budget.
5. Protect your account.

If you’re traveling, prioritize security and compliance. Use tools like VPNs for privacy, not shortcuts. And remember, betting is entertainment. The goal is to enjoy the game, not stress over it.

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