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Super Bowl LVIII media center features NFL-themed slot machines

Nikki Chavanelleby: Nikki Chavanelle02/08/24NikkiChavanelle
Super Bowl LVIII Las Vegas
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

With Super Bowl LVIII taking over Sin City this weekend, even the NFL media center screams, “Viva Las Vegas!” Photos and video shared from inside the media center revealed that interspersed throughout the space are slot machines, but not just any slot machines – NFL-themed slot machines.

Though NFL players and personnel can’t get in on the action in Vegas this week, the league has said nothing about the media laying down bets. It seems the league is even encouraging it.

The Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers is a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, which the Chiefs won 31-20 at Hard Rock Stadium. Despite Kansas City’s recent success in the big game, it’s the 49ers that lead the Vegas odds this year. San Francisco is a 2.5-point favorite.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Since the broadcast is on CBS, the network is going with its broadcasting A-team, consisting of Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson. Nantz will be the play-by-play announcer with former Cowboys QB Tony Romo providing color commentary, and Wolfson giving reports from the sideline.

Americans to wager historic amount on Super Bowl LVIII

The American Gaming Association released figures on Tuesday that reveal a record number of Americans are expected to place wagers on Super Bowl LVIII. Considering the boom in legal sports betting in recent years, the uptick is no surprise, but the numbers are still shocking. A record 67.8 million American adults, which is 26% of the adult population in the U.S., are expected to bet roughly $23.1 billion on various bets for the Big Game.

It’s an increase of 35% in overall betting participation for the Super Bowl and 44% in total wager amount. Last year, Americans spent $16 billion on bets surrounding Super Bowl LVII, which Kansas City won over the Philadelphia Eagles. The American Gaming Association compiled the figures based on survey results.

Before legal gambling expanded, betting was more common among friends or Super Bowl pools. However, for the second straight year, traditional sports betting and online wagering is the more popular route. While 42.7 million American adults plan to place a traditional wager, up 41 percent from 2023, 36.5 million plan to bet more casually, which is also up by 32% over last season.

According to the AGA survey, bettors are nearly split on the outcome of Super Bowl LVIII. Roughly 47% of betters are planning to wager on the Chiefs, while 44% are planning to put their money on the 49ers.