Strange, Crazy and Fun prop bets for Super Bowl 50



Glenn looks at some of the craziest Super Bowl prop bets offered for the Big Game this Sunday.

I've warned you before and it's my civic duty to warn you again - Come this Sunday, why do we do many things we customarily don't do the previous 23 Sundays of your year? Namely, wagering on two dozen or more poor value odds Super Bowl propositions, more commonly known as "prop bets".

OK, I don't want to be a party-pooper but like cheese nachos and tequila, y'gotta know by now these wagers can only be fun and lucrative in moderation. For where the standard point spread or game total line is acceptable for an average NFL Sunday or even a playoff weekend, the Super Bowl one-game feast offers more than 400 different prop bets for you to consider from Nevada sites & the most respected offshore sportsbooks. As I pointed out in an earlier article, they've given a special job to someone creating imaginative propositions for bettors to part with their money on Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl prop betsPropping in Moderation

This isn't to discourage you from playing a limited number of Super Bowl props but a plea to remind everyone that only investing judiciously will insure any measure of success. And please remember the most important fundamental rule: The proposition odds are not established by the customary rules of -110 or 10% vigorish for basic point spread or over/under game wagering. But conversely what the market will bear, which in this case is a horrible value compared to the average NFL Sunday. Think New Year's Eve, where drink prices are inflated for obvious reason.

Subsequently, it's also an opportunity for sportsbooks to utilize previous data and marketing research to understand bettor demand in fixing the most favorable odds. As an example, it is a proven fact that the public prefers betting "YES" and "OVER" on the average prop bet when offered a selection. You will often pay the price for those selections in being forced to accepting higher odds and unfavorable value as a result.

History of Prop Betting

The history of proposition wagering dates back several years ago in Nevada to keep the parties going in Las Vegas and Reno sportsbooks and action flowing as the Super Bowl increased in popularity. While crowds jammed sportsbooks on location, it was a novel way to focus attention upon the game quarter by quarter. A way to keep people locked-in on certain players (pre-fantasy wagering days) and not ending "the party" simply by having only two bets or "two entrees" on the menu. From there it has exploded upon the online wagering scene and become a traditional custom of the day.

To keep thing's fun, sensible and under control, I am taking a prudent and scientific handicapping look at this Sunday's Best Super Bowl Proposition Wagers. Here goes:

THE COIN TOSS
Heads -105
Tails -105
Available at Diamond Sports, Bovada, Heritage and most other major offshore sportsbooks, this is the granddaddy of them all and your overall best value. No other bet offers this excellent value and "the nickel line" on any choice. I've combed through all my 50-year statistical Super Bowl research and can confidently predict that HEADS will be called before kickoff.

BEYONCE' HALFTIME SHOW CLEAVAGE
Yes -400
No +275
From BetOnline comes this gem pertaining to Beyonce's appearance in the halftime show. We all must bet YES here for wishful and positive thinking reasons. Also I believe only a percentage of bosom will qualify us to cash. *Keep in mind, like all proposition wagering the final outcome decision is listed upon judgement by each individual sportsbook. Should there be a red challenge flag thrown here it will make for one great replay booth decision for the judges to look at.

SUPER MVP TO THANK FIRST IN SPEECH
Teammates        +200
God                   +200
Fans/City           +600
Family               +800
Coaches/Owner   +800
Field                 +1000
Does not thank anyone  +250

Here's your chance to cash in on a longshot. The offshore sportsbooks are clever in understanding public betting preference and historical statistics. Certainly God is never a bad bet nor poor value. But for purposes here I favor "Fans/City" at +600 or 6-1 as a smart selection. If either Denver or Carolina wins the game, count on their fans to be whooping it up behind the stage and in the Levi's Stadium stands when Commissioner Goodell hands out the hardware. Fans voices likely will come to the MVP's mind first before thanking teammates and the Lord. Then again, if Peyton wins MVP, 2-1 on God is Best Bet of the Day and why the creator is the favorite.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE LADY GAGA TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM?
Over 2 minutes 20 seconds +110
Under 2 minutes 20 seconds -150

Bovada listed this prop standard and it's a testament to ALWAYS comparison book shop no matter whether you're betting the point spread or The Star Spangled Banner. For example, I've noticed this proposition listed in length anywhere from 1 minute 36 seconds Over/Under at BetOnline & Heritage to this extended offering. From this wager "the line tells you something" and a must to bet UNDER. In fact, it might be the day's Best Bet and an opportunity to bet the maximum amount allowed. Most proposition wagers have modest caps in the neighborhood of $500.

Should Lady Gaga come up with a very long and extended National Anthem version with new additional words she has a much bigger problem than any of us losing an Under bet.

WILL THERE BE AN EARTHQUAKE DURING THE GAME?
*Yes +1500
Are you convinced now? This proposition wager genuinely does exist at Bovada. *And that the earthquake must occur during the game broadcast. I am awaiting feedback from a geologist of the exact odds of an earthquake hitting Santa Clara exactly during the Super Bowl but it's got to be what, 10,000-1? A million to one? Can I please meet the guy willing to take 15-1 and show up to collect on his earthquake? You'll also notice that "No" doesn't exist as a wagering choice.

My expert prediction is in the horrible event of an earthquake it will happen during the halftime show and you will see FULL CLEAVAGE from Beyonce'. Can we get 500-1 on that?

Glenn Greene covers the games from a betting angle every week exclusively at OSGA.com. For weekly betting insights, inlcuding NFL previews and picks from Glenn, click here.


Sign-up for the OSGA Newsletter!

Every week get news and updates, exclusive offers and betting tips delivered right to you email inbox.