Want to make a switch from esports to traditional sports? This Super Bowl is the perfect opportunity for esports bettors to get a taste of American football and this Super Bowl betting guide is here to help! As the highlight of the U.S. sporting calendar, this game is where unbridled excitement meets unlimited possibility.
And what better place to start than on Thunderpick? This guide will detail everything about betting on Super Bowl LVIII, including popular NFL betting lines and expert tips for esports bettors to potentially make bank on the big game. Gear up and prepare for the ultimate showdown!
If you’re a pro, you can head straight to the NFL betting page or check out our Super Bowl LVIII betting predictions.
Super Bowl LVIII: What You Need To Know
The Super Bowl is American football’s premier annual championship game. Think Worlds or The International Finals, but way bigger. Taking place immediately after the NFL Playoffs, this single important match sees the top AFC and NFC teams compete on real soil (not digital) for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Now in its 58th iteration, the NFL’s crowning event continues to attract hundreds of millions of fans worldwide and earns the title of the most-watched sporting event in the U.S. yearly. And the best part? Beyond the high-octane action, there’s plenty of money to be made by betting on the Super Bowl!
Popular Super Bowl Betting Lines
Need help with your Super Bowl bets? No problem! American football attracts bettors from all corners, including veterans and rookies alike. Here’s our rundown of some popular NFL betting markets to get you started.
Futures
Known as “outrights” in esports betting, futures bets typically involve betting on the team you think will win Super Bowl LVIII. As the name implies, you’ll stake your bet well ahead of time, with lines opening as early as the off-season and persisting until the wager is settled.
While futures are the most straightforward bet in esports and American football, the fact that they’re placed many weeks (or even months) in advance makes them highly unpredictable and risky. Bet with caution!
Moneyline
Moneyline bets involve betting on who will win the game. They are similar to the “match-winner” market in esports, but the key difference is that most esports games are played as part of a series, so you’re betting on a single matchup within that series (not the entire tournament).
Since Super Bowl LVIII is the single deciding game of the entire NFL season, a moneyline bet is almost like placing a “match winner” bet on the Worlds 2024 Grand Final—except the match is a best-of-one.
Point Spread
Better known to esports bettors as a “handicap,” point spread bets involve wagering on a matchup’s margin of victory (or spread) and are designed to level the playing field between teams of different perceived strengths. It’s not about who wins—but rather, by how much.
For example, in the line Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers (+1.5), bettors can predict if the favorite team will win by more than the spread (in this case, at least 2 points) or if the underdogs will lose by less than the spread (i.e., 1 point) set by the bookmakers.
Over/Under
Over/under is identical in American football and esports. You’re wagering on a total score being over or under a value set by the bookmaker. In NFL games like Super Bowl LVIII, these bets are typically based on the total points scored by both teams. However, in esports matches, they’re usually total kills.
While most over/under bets are based on the total points accrued at full-time, Thunderpick also offers bets for total points scored by both during the first quarter and first half. You can also bet on points scored by an individual team, adding some flexibility to your Super Bowl sports betting.
Prop Bets
A prop bet is based on specific events happening during a game. In esports matches, this may be which team will get the first blood or which team will get the first ten kills. The important distinction is that these bets are unrelated to the outcome of the tournament.
Super Bowl LVIII prop bets are similar but focus on other elements of the game like the player to score the first or last touchdown, the total passing yards by a quarterback, the first-half winner, or even the length of the National Anthem. There’s practically no limit to prop bets in the NFL!
There are many more Super Bowl betting markets, too, including parlays, teasers, and special bets. Head to the dedicated Thunderpick NFL page to view a complete selection of both pre-match and live in-play betting options.
Super Bowl Betting Tips For Esports Bettors
Struggling to find your feet? We get it! Switching from esports to traditional sports betting can be daunting. Here are some of our top Super Bowl LVIII betting tips to gain a strategic edge.
Do Your Research
This tip cannot be understated. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the teams, players, and game itself. If you’ve never bet on American football (or traditional sports, for that matter), you’ll do well to know exactly what you’re dipping your toes into—watch NFL games and do some reading.
Trust Your Gut
Relying solely on historical analysis can potentially lead to devastating outcomes. After all, past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Just because Kansas City won the previous Super Bowl doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll repeat.
Things change, and you’ll do well to adapt your betting strategy accordingly. Interrogate every stat your review and trust your gut.
Keep It Simple
If you’re new to sports betting, you’d be wise to embrace Occam’s Razor: the fewer assumptions you consider, the better. In other words: keep things as simple as possible. Stick to straightforward betting markets you understand instead of blindly chasing complex markets and lines with better odds.
How To Watch Super Bowl LVIII
Now you know everything about this signature NFL event! Catch all the Super Bowl action on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. And if you can’t attend the game in person, don’t worry! You can watch Super Bowl LVIII on CBS, Nickelodeon, and Paramount+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to also check your local listing for specific channels and times available in your area.
Betting On The Big Game
Placing your first traditional sports bet may seem complicated and intimidating, but there are actually plenty of commonalities to find between a major CS2 event and Super Bowl LVIII. You just have to know the different terms and types of bets we outlined above, and you’ll be good to go!
As you apply your esports knowledge to American football, remember the importance of research, simplicity, and trusting your instincts. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, Super Bowl LVIII is a unique opportunity to engage in the spectacle of traditional sports betting.
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