The Philadelphia Eagles‘ second Super Bowl appearance in three years is expected to set a handle record for Pennsylvania sportsbooks on Sunday. Once again, the Eagles are facing the Kansas City Chiefs, hoping to halt the NFL’s first three-peat.
Legal Sports Report (LSR) lead writer Eric Ramsey is projecting Pennsylvania to generate $88.2 million in total bets during the Big Game. That would beat 2023’s handle of $84.3 million.
Super Bowl betting in Pennsylvania is obviously a bigger deal when a Pennsylvania team is participating. Last year, between the Chiefs and 49ers, Pennsylvanians reported $71.6 million in handle.
Eagles have a clear impact on Pennsylvania Super Bowl bettors
This Sunday will be the second time a Pennsylvania team is playing in the Super Bowl since online betting launched in 2019. Both times happened to be the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pennsylvania is known with a huge sports presence, with several professional and college teams spread across the state. Everyone knows the reputation that Eagles fans have, too, when it comes to ing their team.
Pennsylvania set a Super Bowl handle record in 2023 the first time the Eagles played the Chiefs. The total then dipped 15% last year after a first-round playoff exit for the Eagles.
A rematch with stars across the board for both teams can set up for another record-breaking day. Ramsey said in his projection story:
“Participation from the Eagles is good news for Pennsylvania sportsbooks, which drew record handle the last time it happened in 2023. Local bettors wagered $84.3 million on that matchup with the Chiefs, and this year’s encore should beat that number given the two years of additional growth.”
The Chiefs have a chance to start and end their three-peat with the Eagles. Jalen Hurts and newly acquired Saquon Barkley are looking to put a stop to the dynasty Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have led. Andy Reid, who coached the Eagles for 14 years, could also win another ring against his former team.
Many of the Philadelphia-area casinos have big plans in store for what hopes to be an Eagles Super Bowl victory.
National perspective on Super Bowl betting
Despite the Eagles playing on Super Bowl Sunday, Pennsylvania won’t be in the top five states in handle, according to Ramsey. Because of population, New York and Nevada are expected to lead the nation.
Ramsey’s top five includes:
- New York: $183 million
- Nevada: $170 million
- New Jersey: $147 million
- Illinois: $104 million
- Florida: $100 million
Pennsylvania is ranked seventh, behind Ohio’s $93.9 million projected handle. Ramsey is predicted that legal sportsbooks generate more than $1.5 billion in total bets on Sunday.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that Americans will wager a record of $1.39 billion legally this year. Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, said in a statement:
“No single event unites sports fans like the Super Bowl, and that excitement extends to sports betting, with this year’s record legal handle reflecting its widespread appeal.”
“This figure underscores the positive impact of the legal market—from protecting consumers to generating tax revenue that benefits communities across the country—while enhancing the game experience for all.”
According to Ramsey, there are almost 225 million Americans that span 40 states and territories that have the ability to bet on legal online sportsbooks. It’s not only expected to be a record for Pennsylvania, but for the entire US, too.
