Keeping this Super Weekend Fun and a "Safe Bet"
What's your pick: Giants or Patriots? Will the NFC win the coin toss for the 15th year in a row? Will Madonna have a wardrobe malfunction?
February 3, 2012
by Julie Hynes
Some interesting bets!
Almost anything can be bet on surrounding the Super Bowl -- the game itself, the ads, the performances, just about everything.
This year, here are a few of the many weird bets going on:
- How many times will Peyton Manning's name be mentioned during the big game? (Current odds: 5.5 times.)
- How many seconds will be left on the clock when the celebratory "Gatorade dunk" will occur? (Current odds: 40 seconds.)
- Will Madonna have a wardrobe malfunction? Even that bet is up for grabs. (Um, do you really want the odds on this one?)
If you've ever placed a bet on a sports event, you know that lots of people get in on the action for a big game. An estimated $10 billion will be bet on this year's Super Bowl. For most, a Super Bowl bet is harmless entertainment. A little extra fodder for jabbing at the office on post-Super Bowl Monday, or a few extra (or fewer) bucks in the pocket to buy nachos for a friend.
But for many Oregonians -- in fact, over 74,000 Oregonian adults -- gambling has become more than just fun. It's a serious problem that interferes with their lives and an average of six to 10 other people around them.The problem has quite a reach and affects families, jobs, and even the economy.
For recovering problem gamblers, the Super Bowl can be a source of stress -- and tempting if others around them are betting. According to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, "For active problem gamblers, it’s a time to hold on to the irrational conviction they’re only one bet away from winning everything back."
So how would you know if someone's got a problem with gambling? We're not suggesting anyone be the "gambling police," just keep an eye on our friends and family if they seem to have gone too far.
Related: See the National Council on Problem Gambling's press release on this year's Super Bowl
Signs of more than just a fun game-day bet
As for the Super Bowl, here are a few things to look out for:
- Does he or she seem unusually hung up on a certain detail of the game? Maybe even change who they're rooting for, based on the score or a certain player's stats? (i.e., were they rabid Patriot fan and all of a sudden demand to wear your Eli Manning jersey?)
- Does s/he seem to talk about odds a lot?
- Is s/he offering to sell or trade something for a bet, because s/he's out of money?
General tips about loved ones, no matter whether they like sports bets or video poker machines, keno, etc.:
- Are they spending more and more time on gambling? More money?
- Can they stick with limits on their betting/gambling or are they having trouble with it?
- Do they "chase" losses with more gambling, trying to win back money?
- Do they seem to hide their gambling, or lie about how much and when they have gambled?
- Check out a full list of signs of a gambling problem.
Some helpful tips and a final word
- Always set a limit on time and money -- and stick with it.
- Avoid betting if you're intoxicated (!) -- or if you're mad, sad, hungry or tired. (This is a good idea no matter what the decision, including the cute redhead you didn't think was so cute a little earlier.)
- Don't try to "chase" bets you've lost with more bets.
- Parents, set a good example this Sunday for your kids with alcohol and bets. Ads are a good opportunity to talk about not "needing" booze or bets to have fun.
- Check out our full list of responsible gambling tips.
The good news is that, if you know someone with a problem, help is free and confidential -- for them and/or their loved ones -- by calling the 24-hour Oregon gambling help line at 1-877-MY-LIMIT. Help is easy to access and it works! (And, yes, it really is free.) Certified gambling treatment counselors answer the phone every single time.
So no matter whether Kelly Clarkson takes less than 1 minute, 34 seconds to sing the national anthem (actual odds), or Tom Brady throws his first touchdown pass in the first five minutes, we hope you enjoy the big game.
I'm still bummed my teams didn't get in there, so bah humbug! At least the ads and guacamole will be good.
Cheers!