2016 Super Bowl: €3.65bn in bets, 97% of which will be illegal, says the American Gaming Association

$4.2bn (€3.65bn as of 02/02/2016) in bets are expected to be placed for the 2016 Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers (Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, on 07/02/2016), as estimated by the AGM (American Gaming Association, a lobby representing American casinos), on 27/01/2016. The AGA argues that 97% of bets, an increase of 8% compared to the 2015, will be place in the illegal sports betting market.

This percentage is explained by the 1992 ruling, the "Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act," which prohibits sports betting in the United States. This law applies in 46 of the 50 states of the country. Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon are the only states to allow sports betting. However, non-remunerated financial betting (gains of material goods, for example) is still allowed in the US.

"Just like football, sports betting has never been more popular than it is today. The casino gaming industry is leading the conversation around a new approach to sports betting that enhances consumer protections, strengthens the integrity of games and recognizes fans…