US Sportsbooks Shy Away from Taylor Swift Super Bowl Bets

Amid the buzz surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl, speculation has been rife regarding whether pop sensation Taylor Swift will grace the event to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs. However, despite the anticipation among fans, US sportsbooks are refraining from taking bets on the possibility of Swift’s appearance, reported the Associated Press.

Why US Sportsbooks Avoid Non-Game Betting Unlike Offshore Operators

While offshore sportsbooks like BetUS in Costa Rica and potentially those in Ontario, Canada, might entertain such wagers, the situation is different within the United States. Betting laws in the US vary from state to state, and the prevailing norm restricts wagering to on-field events. 

Although some states permit unconventional bets like predicting the color of the Gatorade showered on the winning coach, even these options are off-limits in Las Vegas, renowned for its stringent regulations on sports betting.

The reluctance to accept bets on non-game occurrences is grounded in a desire for objectivity. According to John Ewing, a public relations manager at BetMGM, the preference is for bets to have clear outcomes without room for interpretation. 

This sentiment is also echoed by Adam Pullen, assistant trading director at Caesars Sportsbook, who acknowledges the industry’s progress but suggests that certain types of bets, including those related to celebrity appearances like Swift’s, might still face regulatory hurdles.

Taylor Swift’s Impact on NFL Betting Trends

Swift’s relationship with Kelce has been a notable subplot throughout the NFL season, with the singer attending several Chiefs games, including their triumph in the AFC championship game. 

However, conflicting schedules due to Swift’s performance commitments in Japan during Super Bowl weekend have fueled speculation about her attendance in Las Vegas.

Back in October when Taylor Swift’s relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce was still only a rumor it sparked a surge in betting activity, particularly on Kelce’s performance, with bets doubling since the dating rumors emerged. Kelce became the most wagered-on NFL player for anytime touchdown bets during a recent game, reflecting Swift’s significant influence on the market. 

Despite the natural inclination for fans to wager on such high-profile appearances, the consensus among industry insiders is to prioritize bets linked directly to on-field action. This approach aligns with regulators’ concerns about maintaining the integrity and clarity of betting outcomes.

While the absence of betting options on Swift’s potential Super Bowl appearance may disappoint some enthusiasts, it underscores the ongoing evolution and regulation of the sports betting landscape in the United States. 

As anticipation builds for the showdown between the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, fans will have to content themselves with traditional betting options centered on the game itself.