Defensive Game, Muted Buzz: Nevada Handle Drops for Super Bowl 60
Nevada's sports betting scene took a hit during Super Bowl 60, with the total handle dropping to levels not seen in years. Bettors wagered $133.8 million across the state's 186 sportsbooks on the Seattle Seahawks' 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. This figure, released by the Gaming Control Board, marks the lowest since 2016 and falls well short of the $190 million record set in 2024 when Las Vegas hosted the big game.
Sportsbooks still came out ahead, winning $9.9 million for a 7.4% hold. That's a solid return, but it pales compared to last year's $22.1 million win from a $151.6 million handle when the Philadelphia Eagles topped the Kansas City Chiefs. The Seahawks, quarterbacked by Sam Darnold and powered by MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, covered as 4½-point favorites against the Patriots and second-year QB Drake Maye.
Hidden Factors Crushing the Hype and Handle
Experts point to a lack of blockbuster appeal as a key reason for the muted betting action. "One of the factors was probably a lack of star power," said John Murray, vice president of race and sports at Westgate. He noted that while Drake Maye shows promise, he's early in his career, unlike past matchups featuring icons like Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes. Even without those legends, games like Matthew Stafford versus Joe Burrow kept the excitement high.
Chuck Esposito, sportsbook director at Red Rock Resort, highlighted other influences. The 2024 Super Bowl in Vegas shattered records, and 2025's Eagles-Chiefs clash drew massive public interest after a bettor-friendly season. This year's Seahawks-Patriots game followed a tougher year for public bettors, dampening enthusiasm. Plus, both teams leaned on defense, leading to heavy "under" action on props and a lower overall prop handle.
The game itself played out slowly, with Seattle up 9-0 at halftime and no touchdowns until the fourth quarter. It stayed under the 45½ total, reinforcing the defensive tone that may have scared off casual wagers.
Massive Bets Break Through Despite Overall Dip
Even with the lower handle, high-stakes action made headlines. Nationwide, seven bets of $1 million or more hit the books, a jump from zero in 2025. In Las Vegas, Circa Sports took two of them: a $1.1 million Patriots moneyline bet at +188 to hedge Seahawks futures, netting the bettor $8.1 million across Circa and BetMGM. Another $1 million came in on New England at +200 just before kickoff.
BetMGM also fielded a $725,000 hedge on the Patriots moneyline at +195, plus a $788,000 wager on New England +4½. These big plays show that sharp bettors still found value, even if the broader public stayed on the sidelines.
Nevada's Ironclad Super Bowl Winning Streak
Nevada sportsbooks have a remarkable track record, losing money on just two Super Bowls since tracking began in 1991. They dipped into the red by $396,674 in 1995 when the San Francisco 49ers demolished the San Diego Chargers 49-26 as 19-point favorites. The biggest loss came in 2008, with bettors claiming a record $2.57 million after the New York Giants upset the unbeaten Patriots as 12-point underdogs.
This consistency underscores why Nevada remains a betting powerhouse, even in off years like 2026.
Recent Super Bowl Betting Trends Revealed
Looking back at the last 11 Super Bowls, patterns emerge in Nevada's handles and wins. Here's a quick snapshot from Gaming Control Board data:
| Year | Betting Handle | Win Amount | Hold (Win %) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $133,813,230 | $9,892,055 | 7.4% | Seattle 29, New England 13 |
| 2025 | $151,618,159 | $22,134,104 | 14.6% | Philadelphia 40, Kansas City 22 |
| 2024 | $190,020,783 | $11,182,973 | 5.9% | Kansas City 25, San Francisco 22 (OT) |
| 2023 | $153,183,002 | $4,361,646 | 2.8% | Kansas City 38, Philadelphia 35 |
| 2022 | $179,823,715 | $11,063,412 | 6.2% | Los Angeles Rams 23, Cincinnati 20 |
| 2021 | $136,096,460 | $12,574,125 | 9.2% | Tampa Bay 31, Kansas City 9 |
| 2020 | $154,679,241 | $18,774,148 | 12.1% | Kansas City 31, San Francisco 20 |
| 2019 | $145,939,025 | $10,780,319 | 7.4% | New England 13, L.A. Rams 3 |
| 2018 | $158,586,934 | $1,170,432 | 0.7% | Philadelphia 41, New England 33 |
| 2017 | $138,480,136 | $10,937,826 | 7.9% | New England 34, Atlanta 28 (OT) |
| 2016 | $132,545,587 | $13,314,539 | 10.1% | Denver 24, Carolina 10 |
These numbers highlight the ups and downs, with peaks during high-profile games and Vegas-hosted events.
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As the NFL offseason heats up, these drops in handle remind us that betting ebbs and flows with the game's energy. Keep an eye on emerging stars like Maye for next season's potential fireworks.