LAS VEGAS — The Eagles were not the only victors on Sunday, as sportsbooks also celebrated a successful Super Bowl.
BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook reported that Philadelphia’s decisive 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning champions, marked the most wagered single sporting event in their histories.
Furthermore, Caesars noted that this Super Bowl became the first to see more game parlays placed than traditional straight bets.
From the outset, the Eagles heavily outperformed the Chiefs, establishing a commanding 24-0 lead by halftime and easing the tension surrounding their quest to avenge their previous Super Bowl loss to Kansas City two years prior.
“As the Chiefs fell behind early, we noticed a significant increase in betting activity regarding their chances of bouncing back,” stated Craig Mucklow, the vice president of trading at Caesars.
“A large volume of wagers poured in for Kansas City at extended odds on the money line and all spreads we provided, extending up to +28.5. This unusual chance to bet on Patrick Mahomes at such favorable spreads and odds greatly contributed to our record in-play handle for a Super Bowl.”
At BetMGM, a majority of the betting activity favored the Eagles, with 60% of tickets and 56% of the total amount wagered on Philadelphia to win at +100 on the money line. Additionally, 54% of the bets and 64% of the handle were on the Eagles as +1 1/2-point underdogs.
Bettors who took the over on the game total of 48 1/2 points were also rewarded, as 61% of the tickets and 57% of the money were placed on that outcome.
Jalen Hurts attracted the highest amount of betting interest for Super Bowl MVP, with odds of +375. He had the second-highest number of tickets wagered on him. Hurts threw for two touchdowns, rushed for one using a unique strategy, achieved 221 passing yards, and ran for 72 yards.
“Bettors who placed wagers on the Eagles’ money line and Jalen Hurts for Super Bowl MVP came away with profits, but the defenses successfully limiting Saquon Barkley and Travis Kelce resulted in an excellent outcome for us,” remarked Christian Cipollini, a senior trading manager at BetMGM.
Saquon Barkley’s rushing total was set at 110.5 yards, yet he only managed 57 yards in the game. Barkley had surpassed 100 rushing yards in five of his previous games and in nine of his last ten attempts.
As for Travis Kelce, his receiving total was pegged at 61 1/2 yards, but he finished with just 39 yards on four catches. This marked a second consecutive playoff game with disappointing numbers for Kelce, who previously caught only two passes for 19 yards during the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills.
