Delawareans have ample choices among Super Bowl wagers
By DOVER — Take the Chiefs to win a second straight Lombardi Trophy?
How about betting on the slight favorite Niners in Sunday’s Super Bowl?
Standing inside the Bally’s Dover sportsbook before the big game a few days earlier, Tom Kelley’s decision was made.
“When in doubt pick the best quarterback - Patrick Mahomes,” the Dover resident said.
While Mr. Kelley was sold on Kansas City way before kickoff in Las Vegas, many others were biding their time.
According to Bally’s Dover Director of Race and Sports Director Patty Brittingham as the week began “Most of (the wagers) will come down to Saturday and Sunday, last minute bets.
“Everybody likes to get the injury reports and think they have all the information they can when making their bets to get that edge.”
Mr. Kelley said he had high hopes for Kansas City’s third Super Bowl victory in four years.
Many bettors in the First State apparently agreed with Mr. Kelley. On Thursday, Delaware Lottery Director Helene Keeley said wagers were “trending heavily towards Kansas City.”
Enjoying the entire experience as it unfolded however, was a sure thing for Mr. Kelley.
“Being here placing the bets, just anticipating the Super Bowl, anticipating making the money is just fun,” he said.
There’s more to witnessing a Super Bowl than just following Christian McCaffrey, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, Deebo Samuel and the rest, Mr. Kelley said.
“This is about not only watching the Super Bowl but being around a lot of friends that are here every day,” he said.
“It’s great conversing with them during all the ups and down on the TV, cheering, booing back and forth with everybody. It’s just a nice atmosphere.”
The release of a 11-page selection of proposition bets last weekend by the Delaware Sports Lottery stoked fan interest, Ms. Brittingham said.
Among the wagers to ponder:
• Will the number of fumbles in the game be over or under 1 1/2?
• Will the contest go to overtime?
• Will Brock Purdy’s first pass be complete or incomplete? An interception is an incomplete pass, the lottery noted.
• What’s the jersey number of the first touchdown scorer?
• Will George Karlaftis record a sack?
Fans can also walk in the wager at Delaware Park in Stanton and Harrington Raceway & Casino i. Online wagers can now be made in Delaware and more information is available at delottery.com/More/iGaming.
Parlay proposition cards are available at selected retailers throughout the state, and include such choices as heads or tails on the coin toss and team with the shortest-made field goal.
Delawareans are hardly alone in betting on the biggest football game of them all.
The Associated Press reports that nearly 68 million American adults — about one in four — plan to bet on this year’s Super Bowl, setting a record by a wide margin.
Figures released Tuesday by the American Gaming Association include bets placed with legal outlets, as well as with illegal bookies and online operations in other countries, according to the AP.
The volume of betting participation is projected to be 35% higher than last year, which was the previous record, the AP said.
