The latest sports betting survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows the majority of Ontarians plan to watch Super Bowl LIX (63 per cent) and almost half of viewers will place a wager on the big game (48 per cent).

Over a third of Ontario adults have initiated a bet after seeing a gambling advertisement online or on TV (35 per cent); more so among populations at-risk for problem gambling, including those under age 44 (42 per cent) and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals (44 per cent).

Two thirds believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes (67 per cent), particularly men and those aged 18-44 (70 per cent). While knowledge and skill does inform a bet, it doesn’t guarantee a win. The misconception that one can accurately predict an outcome can lead to over confidence that their knowledge will give them an advantage and ultimately, a win. This is known as the illusion of control. This false belief paired with persuasive gambling advertising can increase risk, influencing some to bet more than they can afford to lose. More than a third report doing so in the past 12 months (36 per cent).

Key survey highlights

How Ontarians plan to bet:

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• 50 per cent will bet online with a sportsbook website
• 30 per cent will bet with family and friends
• 27 per cent will buy sport-based lottery tickets
• 20 per cent will bet in a pool

How much they plan to wager:

• 55 per cent say they will bet $100 or less
• 19 per cent will bet between $101 and $500
• 8 per cent plan to wager more than $500

Number of bets they’ll make:

• 55 per cent will bet a single time on the outcome of the game
• 25 per cent will bet multiple times throughout the game using one sportsbook website
• 15 per cent will bet using several sportsbook websites

“Gambling is random but your plan shouldn’t be,” says Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “Perceived knowledge of the game, persuasive advertising, and substance use can all influence how we gamble. A smart plan includes being mindful of the illusion of control and remembering that even with sports expertise, understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome.”

RGC tips for safer sports betting

• Be mindful of the illusion of control. Remember that even with sports expertise a win is not guaranteed and understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome
• Be aware that time spent, and knowledge gained won’t help you “beat the odds”
• Plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food
• Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost
• Limit your alcohol, cannabis, and/or other substance intake
• Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed
• View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money

Detailed survey insights

Half of those who will wager on the Super Bowl say their main reason to bet is to win money (48 per cent), followed by adding to the excitement of the game (47 per cent). About a fifth bet because they believe they are knowledgeable about the teams and players (22 per cent), they feel confident about their chances of winning (20 per cent), or because their favourite team or player is playing (18 per cent). One in ten bets in a mistaken attempt to make up for last year’s losses (10 per cent).

Over half of those who will bet on the big game will place their bets while consuming substances, which are associated with the additional risks of impaired judgement and decision-making (52 per cent). The majority plan to consume alcohol while betting (86 per cent).

While men and women are similarly likely to watch the Super Bowl, men are slightly more likely to place a wager (49 vs 45 per cent). Age and ethnicity also play significant roles. Ontario sports bettors aged 45+ are more likely to bet on the big game (52 per cent) than those aged 18-44 (45 per cent). White individuals are significantly more likely to bet on Super Bowl LIX (54 per cent) compared to BIPOC Ontarians (42 per cent).

Staying onside

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Of those planning to bet on the Super Bowl, the most common strategies to manage their gambling risk remain the same as last year: deciding on a pre-set betting limit (37 per cent), betting to have fun and not to make money (31 per cent), and not betting more to recoup losses (25 per cent).

A quarter of all respondents say they always or often feel anger or frustration at losing a bet (25 per cent), while a third sometimes do (36 per cent). This increases when placing bets while using substances. A third report their gambling has caused them to experience health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety (36 per cent) over the last 12 months, and that they might have a problem with gambling (36 per cent). These rates are highest among BIPOC Ontarians and those aged 18-34.

As a result, more Super Bowl betters are now paying attention to mood and state of mind when they gamble. Encouragingly, a quarter will avoid betting when feeling emotionally distressed (25 per cent) and a fifth will refrain from betting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (21 per cent).

To help keep online gambling safer, all regulated sportsbook websites have responsible gambling features. Of those who plan to use online sportsbooks to bet during the Super Bowl, a quarter read online information about the odds of winning and how certain games work (25 per cent) or use money limit-setting tools (23 per cent). A fifth use personalized spending reports or take a cooling off period (20 per cent). Notably, a third don’t plan on using any features to help them manage their betting (33 per cent).

Methodology
An online survey of 1,147 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between November 22 – December 6, 2024, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.9%, 19 times out of 20.

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On Sunday, February 9, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, with kick-off at 6:30 p.m. ET. As one of the most anticipated and wagered-on sporting events of the year, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) is reminding Arizona residents and visitors to bet responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

“The Super Bowl is an exciting event that brings communities together, but it’s essential to approach event wagering with caution and accountability,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “We encourage all Arizonans to enjoy the game responsibly by ensuring their wagers are placed legally and thoughtfully.” Further emphasizing the importance of using licensed operators for all event wagering activities, “illegal gambling undermines public safety and the integrity of the game, while responsible betting practices help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants,” stated ADG Director, Jackie Johnson.

Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow

In the United States, it is common to see friends and family participate in sports pools for the Super Bowl, often known as “Super Bowl Squares”. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(7)), social gambling requires:

• That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive
  financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game;
• Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
• Only participants can win; and
• Players compete on equal terms with each other.

A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:

• Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
• A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
• A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
• Unequal odds.
• Underage participants (under 21 years of age).

Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind

With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s (“AGA”) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. campaign:

• Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never
  bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if
  you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering
  can be found on the AGA’s Have A Game Plan website: How Much Should I Wager?
• Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports
  bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are
  briefed on The Basics of Sports Betting.
• Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the
  purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family,
  and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun.
• Keep Your Cool – No one’s perfect, and in sports, winning and losing are all part of the game.
  Whether you’re wagering from the sidelines or watching from home, remember to keep
  your cool. Good sportsmanship isn’t just for the players on the field; it’s for everyone.
• Play Legally – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in
  the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical
  sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to
  view a full list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations: Approved Operators.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you can get help now by calling 1-800- NEXT-STEP (1.800.639.8783), the Division of Problem Gaming (“DPG”)’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling. The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling, whether that be individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers.