A Super Temptation

By: Bruce Jones

Amidst the hype, commercials and big sub sales, Super Bowl 50 represents more than a grudge match for the Broncos, Panthers and their fans. The biggest thing in professional football is also one of the biggest deals in gambling.

According to some reports, more people bet on the Super Bowl than any event in American sports.

And, just like the Super Bowl encompasses so much more than a contest on a field for a trophy, the big game affords us all kinds of odds to beat. Which team will win, by what spread, the total number of points scored — the permutations are endless.

In recent years, proposition or “prop” bets have become very popular. People put money on how long the national anthem will last, the color of the halftime performer’s hair and even which team will win the coin toss. Last year, gamblers weighed in on what color the coach’s hoodie would be and whether or not a particular player would be fined during Media Day.

These examples demonstrate that gambling is as much a part of football as helmets and cleats. They also explain why those struggling with addiction often have to spend the Super Bowl being Super Busy doing something else.

“The Super Bowl is to a recovering gambler like New Year’s Eve is to a recovering alcoholic,” author Arnie Wexler told philly.com before last year’s Super Bowl. Now, on game day, he stays away from the television, spends the day with friends, or does something physical like taking a long bike ride or going for a walk in the woods.

Worried that you’ve gone Super Bonkers for the Super Bowl too? Spending more than you ever imagined? Hiding bets from families and friends?

You can test yourself here to help determine whether or not gambling has become a problem in your life.

If you can, enjoy the day, the events, the game and even the ads. But if you or someone you love is struggling with a gambling problem, know there are resources available to help you be the true winner of the day.

About the Author

Bruce Jones

Administrative Coordinator LSW, LCDC III, NCGC II

Bruce is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a Nationally-Certified Gambling Counselor Level II who has worked for Maryhaven since 2000. He saw the need for gambling services in Central Ohio in 2009 and asked Maryhaven to apply for a private grant from the Columbus Foundation to target help to those struggling with gambling addiction. The state then supplied funding after his vision was verified with the amount of clients seeking services that first year and Bruce has been working with individuals, family members, and communities ever since.

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