The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported a record $185.6 million in statewide Super Bowl LVIII, with operators eking out a small victory for the second straight year.
The previous record for handle was set in 2022 at $179.8 million when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI. Sunday’s 25-22 overtime victory by the Kansas Chiefs over the San Francisco 49ers featured the Chiefs rallying from a 10-point deficit and three second-half lead changes. It also included almost a full extra period of play with both teams scoring, which provided additional opportunities for live betting that contributed to the record wagering amount.
“The Nevada Gaming Control Board congratulates and thanks all the stakeholders involved for successfully delivering such a spectacular event from the state of Nevada,” NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick said in a statement.
Handle increased 21.2% from last year’s $153.2 million wagered on the 38-35 shootout won by the Chiefs over the Philadelphia Eagles. That number, though, was betting app shortly before kickoff.
Small operator win for second straight year 6j4jy
NGCB Releases Figures Showing Record-Breaking $185.6 Million Wagered on Super Bowl in Nevada. pic.twitter.com/6QVxJhs4Cx
— Nevada Gaming Control Board (@NevadaGCB) February 13, 2024
The NGCB does not provide handle and revenue figures by operator, but sportsbooks across the state combined to win $6.8 million, resulting in a hold of 3.7%. Revenue was up 56% from last year, which featured a slew of bettor-friendly prop wagers delivering for the public, but it was the first time Nevada sportsbooks were held below $10 million in winnings in back-to-back years since a six-year run from 2008-13.
That end of that run was also the last time Super Bowl handle in the Silver State was below $100 million for the NFL’s signature event. Handle was up 20% and revenue down 63.8% compared to the previous Super Bowl between these teams four years ago, when the Chiefs recorded a 31-20 win in Super Bowl LIV. The $18.8 million won by sportsbooks in 2020 is the second-highest in 33 years of Super Bowl wagering recorded by the NGCB.
