Half Of Ontario Sports Bettors Will Bet On Super Bowl

Written By Dave Briggs on February 8, 2023 - Last Updated on September 12, 2024
A Responsible Gambling Council survey found the first Super Bowl of Ontario's open online sportsbook market will be popular with bettors.

A new poll indicates half of the Ontario’s sports bettors will wager on the Super Bowl. That’s notable because this Sunday will mark the first Super Bowl of the open online Ontario sports betting era.

The market opened on April 4, 2022, about two months after the 2022 Super Bowl. Ontario is now home to 44 live online gaming operators.

The Responsible Gambling Council poll shows 49% of those that wager on sports are planning to bet on the big game. Super Bowl betting in Ontario is expected to follow the US trend of being the single biggest sports betting event of the year.

The American Gaming Association reported Tuesday that:

“A record 50.4 million American adults (20%) are expected to bet on Super Bowl LVII, a 61% increase from the record set in 2022… Bettors plan to wager an estimated $16 billion on this year’s championship game, more than double last year’s estimates.”

Canadian poll reports huge percentage of bettors believe they have an edge

Back in Canada, the RGC poll reported some troubling findings about the numbers. A large percentage of Ontario sports bettors believe they have an edge based on their sports knowledge.

The survey found:

“Four in 10 (39%) Ontario adults believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes. This jumps to three-quarters (73%) of those who bet, and 9 in 10 (91%) of those who bet on sports regularly.

“This false belief can increase risk as it can lead to over confidence and influence some to bet more than they can afford to lose.”

The RGC reported additional risk associated with the consumption of substances during the Super Bowl. “Over three-quarters of those who bet (77%) plan to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other substances during the Super Bowl.”

Also, troubling, 25% of Ontario sports bettors they needed to bet to increase the excitement of the game. Also, 24% reported they have bet more than they could afford to lose.

On the more encouraging front

In the more encouraging news department, the survey found that 88% of Super Bowl bettors plan to “employ at least one strategy to manage their gambling risk.” That means:

  • 38% say they will stay within a pre-set betting limit.
  • 34% reported that they always view sports betting as entertainment, not as a way to win money.
  • 24% commit to never betting while intoxicated.
  • 21% indicated they would not bet if feeling depressed or anxious.
  • 63% of sports bettors have used at least one responsible gambling feature on sportsbook apps.
  • 22 per cent of bettors aged 18-34 have utilized personalized spending reports (win/loss information, time and money spent) to curb their risk.

“It’s positive to see the majority of Ontario’s sports bettors using the extra bench strength of responsible gambling tools, both on and offline,” said Shelley White, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “The excitement of the big game, being with friends and family, and substance use can all influence how we play. And betting more than one can afford to lose can have a devastating impact. Having a plan in place to manage risk and protect yourself is key to enjoying the game.”

Other interesting Super Bowl survey data

The survey also found that 74% of respondents plan to watch the Super Bowl at home, with 53% of those doing so with family or friends.

While 54% said they will place a single bet on the outcome of the game, 24% are betting on the Super Bowl with multiple sportsbooks.

Further:

  • 46% will bet with friends
  • 41% will bet on a legal sportsbook website
  • 36% will buy sport-based lottery tickets
  • 29% will bet in a pool
  • 20% will bet on whatever sportsbook website has the best odds

How much Ontario Super Bowl bettors plan to wager

  • 54% say they will bet $50 or less
  • 26% say they will bet between $50 and $100
  • 19% say they will bet $100 or more

RGC tips for safer sports betting

The RGC provides the following tips for responsible gambling:

  • Be mindful and plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget.
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food.
  • Limit your alcohol and/or cannabis intake.
  • Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost.
  • Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed.
  • View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • And remember there is no way to predict the outcome of the game.

To learn how to keep your play safer visit PlanBeforeYouPlay.ca.

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Dave Briggs

Dave Briggs is a managing editor and writer for Catena Media. His expertise is covering the gambling industry in Canada with emphasis on the casino, sports betting and horse racing sectors. He is currently reporting on the gaming industries in Canada, California and Texas.

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