It's
well known that the NFL Super Bowl is the biggest television event in the
American sporting
calendar,
but it's also worth noting that it's the biggest betting event, with billions
set to be placed on the outcome of Super Bowl XLIV between Indianapolis and New
Orleans.
An
estimated $7 billion was placed around the world on last year's game between
the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. In the US state of Nevada,
where betting on sports is legal, the state's Gaming Control Board reported a
total of $81.5 million in bets.
And
given the heavy impact of the financial crisis on last year's betting, the
numbers are set to rise for this year's Super Bowl, which Indianapolis will
start as slight favorites.
Las
Vegas bookmakers have the Colts as 5.5 point favorites a week out from the
game, although plenty of teams - including the "Perfect Season" New England
Patriots two years ago - have lost the Super Bowl after starting stronger
favorites than that.
Money
is coming in for both teams at British bookmaker
Ladbrokes, which has the Colts listed as 5/11, against the Saints at 9/5.
However,
there is some likelihood of the Saints getting a decent start. They are evens
in Ladbrokes Super Bowl specials in the betting to score the first touchdown,
while Indi are 8/11.
And
finally, for those who want to take their luck with numbers: The chances of the
first touchdown scorer wearing an odd number are 2/5, against evens at 7/4.
Super
Bowl XLIV kicks off in Miami at 1825 Eastern Time on Sunday February 7.
