Nevada sportsbooks recorded the lowest Super Bowl betting handle in ten years for Super Bowl LX, according to data released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Licensed retail and mobile sportsbooks reported $133.8 million in wagers on the Seattle Seahawks’ 29–13 victory, marking a double‑digit decline from last year’s totals and the smallest total since the 2016 championship game.
The reduction in wagers reflects broader shifts in the U.S. sports betting landscape, as increased legalisation outside Nevada and the rise of mobile and online platforms have dispersed demand that was once heavily concentrated in the Silver State.
Nevada Super Bowl Betting Performance
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has released official figures indicating that $133.8 million was wagered across Nevada’s 186 sportsbooks during Super Bowl LX. According to NGCB Chairman Mike Dreitzer, the unaudited figures revealed a sportsbook win of $9,892,055, with a 7.4% hold percentage.
This marks a significant decline compared to previous years. For context, the handle was $151.6 million in 2025 and $190 million in 2024. The 7.4% hold is also much lower than the 14.6% reported in 2025, reflecting both the changing dynamics of the market and the increasing competition from other legalized sports betting markets in the U.S.
Competitive Fragmentation in U.S. Sports Betting
Nevada’s declining Super Bowl betting handle comes at a time when regulated sports wagering has proliferated across the United States, with 40+ states plus Washington, D.C. offering legal betting. This expansion has drawn wagering volume into local markets and away from Nevada’s traditional dominance, particularly for marquee events like the Super Bowl.
In newer markets such as Missouri, initial sports betting activity has shown strong consumer engagement, with operators reporting $543 million in wagers soon after launch, even as tax revenue remained limited early on.
Simultaneously, attitudes toward further expansion of sports betting continue to vary across jurisdictions. For example, recent polling in Mississippi showed significant opposition among residents to expanded online sports betting and iGaming — a reminder that public sentiment remains a factor in shaping how markets evolve.
Regulatory and Commercial Implications
While Nevada still plays a foundational role in U.S. sports wagering, the 2026 Super Bowl handle highlights how market share can shift even for historic events. The widespread adoption of mobile sports betting across state lines has reduced travel and concentration effects that once favoured Nevada’s retail‑centric model.
Operators and regulators alike will be watching how shifting demand patterns affect not only peak event handles but also year‑round betting behaviour, promotional spending, and risk management strategies. Lower centralised volumes may encourage operators to innovate digitally, increase promotional offerings, or partner across jurisdictions to keep bettors engaged.
Outlook for Nevada and Beyond
Nevada’s experience underscores a broader industry transition: from a few dominant state markets to a distributed, digital‑first ecosystem where regional operators and local regulatory frameworks shape wagering behaviour.
As more states develop their own sports betting frameworks, divergences in tax policy, regulatory requirements, and public attitudes toward gambling will continue to influence market growth. For Nevada, sustaining relevance may depend on continued innovation in mobile offerings, player engagement tools, and data‑driven promotional strategies that resonate in a highly competitive landscape.