Super Bowl LX's Biggest Bets: Million-Dollar Wagers

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-02-06

It's that time again. The 2026 Super Bowl is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be a true spectacle. This Sunday, the New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. The excitement isn't just on the field, though. The betting action is reaching historic levels, making this one of the most financially significant sporting events of the year. Americans are expected to legally wager a record $1.76 billion on the big game. That's a staggering 27% increase from last year. There simply aren't many events that attract this level of betting interest. It's a cultural phenomenon as much as a sporting one. We've dug through the headlines and social media buzz to find the most jaw-dropping wagers placed so far. These aren't your average bets. These individuals are putting serious money on the line, risking it all for a massive payday. Let's take a look at who's betting big and why. ### The Vegas High Roller's Guaranteed Win One anonymous man from Las Vegas has engineered a situation where he's guaranteed to win a minimum of $6.6 million, no matter which team lifts the Vince Lombardi trophy. Talk about a smart play. He's already cashed in nearly $10.5 million from Circa Sports on seven pre-season bets on the Seahawks. If Seattle wins, he'll take home an additional $3 million. But he didn't stop there. He hedged his position by also betting $1.8 million on the Patriots' moneyline at Circa and BetMGM, which would return $3.5 million. According to reports, his total haul will be either $8.1 million if Seattle wins or a "guaranteed" $6.6 million if New England prevails.  ### Mattress Mack's Promotional Power Play Renowned sports bettor Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale is back in the headlines with another characteristically huge wager. He's placed $2 million on the Patriots to win at Caesars Sportsbook. Of course, with Mack, there's always a promotional angle. He's tied this gamble to a furniture promotion at his Gallery Furniture stores in Texas. Anyone who spends $4,000 gets a full refund if the Patriots win. It's a brilliant marketing move that generates buzz regardless of the outcome. His history with the Super Bowl is a rollercoaster—he missed last year due to heart surgery and suffered a massive $9.5 million loss in 2022 backing the Bengals. ### Portnoy's Patriots Passion Project Controversial media personality and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is backing his beloved New England Patriots with a bet that could pay off handsomely. He placed $50,000 on the Pats earlier in the season at impressive +3500 odds. If successful, that wager will net him a cool $1.8 million. Portnoy is no stranger to the betting scene. He famously called a $2.76 million win on the UConn Huskies in the NCAA tournament "the greatest bet of my life." He's known for his emotional, all-in approach to gambling. ### The Bettor Playing for a Cause Then there's Dan Newlin, a Florida attorney who's added a heartwarming twist to the high-stakes action. He's placed a $1 million bet on the Seattle Seahawks and has vowed to donate every single dollar of any potential winnings to pioneering pediatric cancer research at Nemours Children's Hospital. Newlin called it a "tough choice" but said the excitement comes from supporting an important cause. He's been a longtime contributor to the hospital and promises to continue his support win or lose. In his own words: "If we don't prevail, the kids and cancer research still win." It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest wins aren't measured in dollars. - **Record Handle:** A projected $1.76 billion in legal wagers. - **The Hedge:** One bettor guaranteed at least $6.6 million. - **Promotional Genius:** Mattress Mack's $2 million bet tied to furniture sales. - **Long Odds Love:** Dave Portnoy's $50,000 bet could return $1.8 million. - **Betting for Good:** A $1 million wager where all profits go to charity. What does all this tell us? The Super Bowl is more than a game. It's a massive financial event that captures the imagination of high rollers, promoters, and philanthropists alike. The stakes are incredibly high, both on the field and in the sportsbooks. It's a fascinating look at how America celebrates its biggest sporting Sunday.