U.S. sportsbooks refuse bets on Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl appearance

Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift celebrate on field after Chiefs win AFC title ❤️ | NFL on ESPN

U.S. sportsbooks are declining bets on the anticipated appearance of pop icon Taylor Swift at the upcoming Super Bowl, despite widespread fan speculation. While fans eagerly discuss the possibility of Swift cheering for her boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs, U.S. betting regulations restrict wagers to in-game activities.

Offshore sportsbooks, such as Costa Rica’s BetUS, and potentially in Ontario, Canada, are open to such bets. John Ewing, BetMGM’s public relations manager, is awaiting confirmation from Canadian authorities on the legality of these wagers.

In the U.S., betting laws differ across states, generally limiting bets to events occurring on the field. A few states permit unconventional bets like the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach, but such wagers are prohibited in Las Vegas.

ESPN BET has ingeniously integrated Swift into its Super Bowl betting lineup without breaking any laws, featuring bets like “Swift Action” on early game touchdowns and “MVP Swelce” on Kelce’s potential MVP win.

Nevada-based sportsbook STN Sports offers a unique prop bet named “Tight end vs. Pop Star,” comparing Kelce’s performance with Swift’s musical achievements.

Swift’s relationship with Kelce has been a high-profile story throughout the NFL season. She has been spotted at several Chiefs games, including their AFC championship victory. However, with a scheduled performance in Japan during the Super Bowl weekend, her attendance in Las Vegas for the game remains uncertain.

Ewing advocates for keeping bets strictly related to on-field events to avoid subjectivity. Regulatory concerns focus on ensuring bets are clear-cut, based on quantifiable outcomes.

Adam Pullen, assistant trading director at Caesars Sportsbook, expresses enthusiasm for a broader betting scope, including wagers like those on Swift’s Super Bowl attendance. He acknowledges the need for regulatory approval and suggests that such betting options might be a few years away.

Influence on sports betting, NFL viewerships

As a global pop superstar, Swift is making a significant impact on this year’s NFL Super Bowl LVIII. As a new Chiefs fan, she has attracted a new wave of fans and bettors. Her influence is reshaping the traditional demographics of football viewership and betting patterns.

Across the nation, there’s a visible surge in Swift-themed promotions and events. From bars to hotels, businesses are capitalizing on the Swift craze, offering special food and drink items and hosting unique events. This phenomenon has even influenced airline flight numbers.

The Swift effect isn’t just limited to casual fans. It’s also seen in the betting world. According to the Lending Tree, 16 percent of surveyed individuals indicated that Swift’s involvement in the Super Bowl made them more likely to engage financially with the event. This has led to a diversification in the types of bets being placed, with oddsmakers noting an increase in bets from demographics not typically associated with football betting.

“The Super Bowl is always this incredibly special one-day event where you might get people placing a bet that will be their only sports bet of the year,” Borgata’s Thomas Gable said. “And when you have such a popular entertainer it is going to attract even more interest to what was already huge. This year, it is going to feel like everyone is into the Super Bowl.”

Moreover, Swift’s presence is expected to boost female viewership of the Super Bowl, with several women’s brands securing advertising slots during the game. This shift towards a more inclusive audience highlights the evolving nature of the Super Bowl as a cultural phenomenon, transcending traditional sports boundaries.