Betcha!

February 10th, 2024| Topic: RaMbLeS | 1

In case you didn’t know it, Sunday is the BIG day. Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

$23,100,000,000.00. I.e., US Dollars 23.1 billion.That’s what Americans are betting on, in toto, in wages on the Super Bowl this year (up from $16 billion last year). So said an American Gaming Association (AGA) survey. A consulting service for the AGA, Morning Consult, conducted the online survey between January 30 and February 1, among a national sample of 2,204 adults. The margin of error was +/–2 percent. Bettors included those who expect to place a bet online, with a bookie, with a casino sportsbook, in a pool or squares contest, or casually with family or friends.

67,800,000. I.e., 67.8 million. That’s the number of Americans laying these bets, apparently. (A year-over-year jump of 44%, they say). By my calculations, about $340 on an average bet. By one in five Americans. Hard to believe!

And you can do that in 38 states and Washington, D.C, that currently feature live, legal sports betting markets.

For the teams going head-to-head Sunday, slightly more Americans (47%) will put their money on the Kansas City Chiefs coming out on top, according to the AGA. The 49ers will get 44%. (Wonder what the remaining 9% put their bets on.)

The happy AGA President Bill Miller:

As the Super Bowl comes to Las Vegas for the first time, this year’s record interest in wagering marks a full circle moment for the U.S. gaming industry. Our priority remains getting this opportunity right by providing the consumer protections only a regulated market can guarantee and investing in responsible gambling tools, safeguards and education.”

During Super Bowl week, Miller will be joined on radio row in Las Vegas by Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL running back, and current Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff host Mark Ingram II to speak with media about the expansion of legal sports betting and the importance of responsible play.

Said Ingram:

The thrill of the game and the passion of the fans are what make sports so rewarding and fun. Legalized sports betting builds on this excitement. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with the American Gaming Association to encourage fans, whether it’s during the Big Game or throughout the year, to keep it social and wager responsibly.”

Uh-huh!

Believe it or not, some wagers are related to Taylor Swift, whose boyfriend Travis Kelce plays tight end for the Chiefs. Will she make it on time to the game from Tokyo?

Swift’s last song was still ringing in the ears of thousands of fans at the Tokyo Dome on Saturday night when the singer rushed to a private jet at Haneda airport, presumably embarking to see Kelce.

Gushed Ms. Swift:

We’re all gonna go on a great adventure.”

And will she be able to park in Las Vegas (her jet that is)? And, of course, will she get an on-field proposal from Kelce?

If I were a betting man, I’d rather bet on the certitude of God than upon the whimsies and vagaries of humanity.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of Yahweh for long days.
Psalm 23:6

Because …

Surely God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
Psalm 73:1

And …

Surely His deliverance [is] near to those who fear Him.
Psalm 85:9

So …

Surely the righteous, they will give thanks to Your name;
they will dwell, the upright, in Your presence.
Psalm 140:13

You can bet on all of that!

Amen and amen!

SOURCE: American Gaming Association; Fox Business News