Sports betting on the Super Bowl has become increasingly accessible, with nearly 30 states and Washington D.C. now offering legal betting options. While exciting for many fans, this can pose challenges for those struggling with gambling addiction. Here's what you need to know about common Super Bowl bets and their risks.

Common Types of Super Bowl Bets:

1. Moneyline Bets

• Simply betting on which team will win
• Favored teams show negative numbers (e.g., -190: bet $190 to win $100)
• Underdogs show positive numbers (e.g., +160: bet $100 to win $160)
• Risk: Higher payouts for underdogs encourage risky betting behavior

2. Point Spread Bets

• Betting on the margin of victory
• Favorite team must win by more than the spread
• Underdogs can lose by less than the spread to win the bet
• Risk: Team can win but you still lose your bet if they don't cover the spread

3. Over/Under Bets

• Betting on total combined points scored by both teams
• Choose if final score will be over or under a set number
• Risk: Payouts vary based on likelihood, encouraging riskier bets

Responsible Betting Guidelines:

• Only bet on sports you understand
• Set and stick to a strict spending limit
• Never bet under the influence
• Don't chase losses
• Understand all associated risks

Treatment Options: If gambling becomes problematic, professional help is available. Treatment typically includes:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Gamblers Anonymous meetings
• Individualized aftercare planning

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