Nevada Sportsbooks Generate Lowest Super Bowl Betting Handle Since 2016
Super Bowl wagering decreased by 11.7% at Nevada sportsbooks this year, compared to the previous year's Big Game.
Key Takeaways- Wagering was down nearly 30% from the game played in Las Vegas two years ago.
- The Seahawks and Patriots didn't draw the type of dollars the Silver State is used to seeing.
- Revenue plummeted 55% from last year's massive profits.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that the Seattle Seahawks' 29-13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday generated a $133.8-million handle, the lowest amount bet on the Super Bowl since the $132.5 million from 2016's Super Bowl 50.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board released figures today showing that $133.8 Million was wagered in Nevada's 186 Sports Books on this year's Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/0sJwr3FHhf
- Nevada Gaming Control Board (@NevadaGCB) February 10, 2026
There was some concern heading into this year's Big Game that there wasn't enough star power and brand recognition between the Patriots and Seahawks, even though both have played in multiple Super Bowls over the last 20 years, to draw record wagering.
Last year's Super Bowl, between popular teams Kansas City and Philadelphia, produced $17.8 million more in wagers, and Seahawks-Patriots was down nearly 30% from the Super Bowl's all-time handle of $190 million set two years ago in the Chiefs-49ers game, which was held in Las Vegas.
This year's contest was dominated by Seattle and lacked some of the excitement of previous games, which could've affected live betting and the overall handle. The Seahawks led 12-0 heading into the fourth quarter before four touchdowns were scored.
Profits dipThe 186 Nevada sportsbooks reported a combined 7.4% hold on Super Bowl LX wagering, leading to $9.9 million in revenue. Profits were down 55% from last year, but that was much more expected.
Chiefs-Eagles produced a windfall of winnings for the house behind a 14.6% hold, the best since 2014. Super Bowl LX's win rate is still the second highest out of the last five years, but the game's revenue ranks fourth.
That low handle from the Broncos-Panthers Super Bowl 50 still won sportsbooks $13.3 million behind a 10.1% hold.
State of gamingThe Super Bowl is king in Nevada. The game's betting craze began there decades ago, and Silver State sportsbooks have only recorded two losing Big Games since 1991.
Retail sports betting in Nevada has a much stronger presence than in the other 38 U.S. legal sports wagering states, and mobile bettors have to sign up in-person at a licensed sportsbook to place online bets.
The Silver State's licensed operators didn't have to worry about losing wagering dollars to prediction markets. Nevada won court orders to keep Kalshi and Polymarket, two of the biggest federally regulated trading exchanges in the U.S., from offering sports event contracts in the jurisdiction.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here