As Super Bowl LX approaches, new research indicates the event will generate heavy wagering activity across North America, with a significant share of participants expected to place their first sports bet. Payments firm Paysafe has released findings outlining how fans in both regulated and unregulated markets plan to engage with betting tied to Sunday’s matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Paysafe’s “All the Ways Players Pay: Super Bowl” report is based on a survey of about 3,000 respondents aged 21 and older in the United States and Canada. Participants included fans in established online sports betting jurisdictions as well as residents of regions where wagering remains unavailable. The data points to rising engagement levels in both viewership and betting intent.
Betting Volume And Market Participation
Industry expectations suggest Super Bowl LX will attract substantial wagering handle, with U.S. bets alone projected to approach $1.5 billion. Paysafe’s survey shows that roughly half of respondents plan to wager on the game, with participation strongest in states where online betting is already established.
New York leads surveyed jurisdictions, with 65% of respondents indicating plans to place an online bet using a licensed operator. Other regulated markets also report elevated participation, reinforcing the Super Bowl’s role as a peak event for sportsbooks.
First-Time Bettors Enter The Picture
Paysafe’s findings also highlight strong interest from new bettors. In regulated markets, 51% of respondents expect to place bets online or through mobile apps, including 31% who plan to do so for the first time.
“For sportsbooks, this influx of first-time bettors represents more than short-term volume; it is an opportunity to establish trust and build long-term relationships through seamless onboarding and reliable payment experiences,” the report states.
Florida is projected to attract the highest share of first-time bettors in the U.S. at 31%, while Ontario’s figure stands at 33%. Florida’s market is currently served by a single operator, Hard Rock Bet.
Interest Persists In Non-Regulated Regions
Paysafe also examined sentiment in areas without regulated sportsbooks, including California, Texas, and Alberta. Despite the lack of legal access, 52% of respondents in these markets expressed interest in betting on the Super Bowl, and 91% believe wagering would improve the viewing experience.
California recorded the highest interest at 60%, followed by Alberta at 49% and Texas at 48%. “Legalization would do more than unlock betting; it would transform the Super Bowl experience for millions of fans,” the report adds.
Broader Industry Context
The survey underscores the Super Bowl’s value not only for sportsbooks but also for companies supporting the betting ecosystem. As Paysafe continues to analyze consumer behavior, it has also expanded its industry presence. The company recently joined the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, becoming the second payments provider in the group after Nuvei. Paysafe supports a range of gaming brands, including bet365, Jackpocket, and Betfair, and now sits alongside developers and operators already involved in the alliance.
Source:
“Paysafe All the Ways Players Pay: Super Bowl Edition Super Bowl game-day betting & payments trends”, paysafe.com, February 2026
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