Whether it’s 1849 or 2026, there’s going to be a gold rush in Santa Clara, Calif.
Americans are expected to legally wager a record $1.76 billion on Super Bowl 2026 between the Patriots and Seahawks at Levi Stadium on Sunday, per the American Gaming Association (AGA).
The AGA projected $1.39 billion to be wagered on last year’s tilt.
“No single event brings fans together like the Super Bowl,” said AGA President Bill Miller.
“This record shows how much Americans enjoy sports betting as part of the experience — and why doing it legally matters.”
Since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, the industry has seen a burgeoning expansion.
As of February 2026, 32 U.S. states offer legalized online sports betting, though it’s also the rise of prediction markets that are to thank for this year’s Big Game boom.
The $1.76 billion in bets show a rise thanks to a new state launch in Missouri and does not include black market wagering either.
Prediction markets are confusing consumers by masking the act of sports betting with making financial investments, according to an AGA study.
Misleading advertising and a lack of responsible gaming tools are drawing widespread concerns: Nearly eight in 10 sports contract traders wrongly believe that state regulators can resolve disputes on platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
But the truth is that prediction markets operate completely outside state oversight.
Per the AGA, these users are three times more likely to call it an investment than traditional sportsbook users. About 28 percent say they’re “investing” their money, compared to just 9 percent of sportsbook bettors. Some even fund it from their investment budgets.
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Yet, the majority still know they’re gambling despite how they label prediction markets with 58 percent saying they recognize the risk.
But with confusing messaging, it’s no wonder many aren’t sure what they’re really doing.
Safety tools are also lagging. Only 28 percent of contract bettors say responsible gaming features are accessible — just about half the indicated visibility of sportsbooks.
“This research reinforces why state- and tribal-regulated sportsbooks matter,” Miller said. “They offer oversight and protections that prediction markets simply cannot match.”
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
