The Wild History of Super Bowl Prop Bets: From Gatorade Showers to National Anthem Length
The Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest sporting event of the year—it’s also one of the biggest betting spectacles. While most fans wager on the point spread, moneyline, or over/under, others dive into the world of prop bets, betting on everything from the color of the Gatorade bath to the length of the national anthem.
These unique bets have become just as much a part of Super Bowl Sunday as commercials and halftime shows. Let’s take a deep dive into the history of Super Bowl prop bets, how they started, and some of the wildest ones available today.
How Super Bowl Prop Bets Began
The first major Super Bowl prop bet happened in 1986 for Super Bowl XX between the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. Oddsmakers at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace wanted to spice things up, so they offered a bet on whether Bears defensive lineman William “The Refrigerator” Perry would score a touchdown.
The First Major Super Bowl Prop Bet:
- Would William Perry score a TD?
- Yes: +200 (2-to-1 odds)
Sure enough, Perry bulldozed his way into the end zone, cashing tickets for lucky bettors and sparking a prop betting craze that continues today.
Since then, sportsbooks have expanded prop bets to include off-the-wall wagers that have nothing to do with the actual game itself.
The Most Popular Super Bowl Prop Bets
1. The Gatorade Shower Color
One of the most fun and famous prop bets is what color Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach at the end of the game.
Historical Gatorade Colors:
| Year | Winning Team | Gatorade Color |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Chiefs | Purple |
| 2022 | Rams | Blue |
| 2021 | Bucs | Blue |
| 2020 | Chiefs | Orange |
| 2019 | Patriots | Blue |
🔹 Most common color: Orange
🔹 Biggest longshot to win: Purple (2023)
Betting on Gatorade color is a pure guessing game, but fans love it because it adds extra excitement to the final seconds of the game.
2. National Anthem Length
Before kickoff, fans can wager on how long it will take for the performer to sing the national anthem.
Typical Anthem Prop Bets:
- Over/Under: 1 minute, 58 seconds
- Will the singer hold the last note (“brave”) for more than 5 seconds?
- Will the singer forget a word?
Performers have different styles—some belt it out quickly, while others love dramatic pauses. Smart bettors analyze past performances to make their picks.
3. Coin Toss (Heads or Tails?)
One of the simplest bets in all of sports—the Super Bowl coin toss.
Coin Toss Trends:
- All-Time Record: 29 Heads – 28 Tails
- Recent Trend: Tails has hit in 7 of the last 11 Super Bowls
Many bettors love the phrase “Tails never fails”, but with 50/50 odds, this bet is purely luck-based.
4. Halftime Show Props
Super Bowl halftime shows are massive productions, and sportsbooks offer bets on everything from wardrobe choices to special guest appearances.
Common Halftime Show Bets:
- First song performed
- Will there be a wardrobe malfunction?
- How many songs will be played?
- Will a surprise celebrity guest appear?
These bets gained major attention after the infamous Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004.
5. The MVP Speech Bet
Right after the game, the Super Bowl MVP is handed the microphone. Bettors can wager on who they will thank first.
MVP Speech Options:
✅ Teammates
✅ God
✅ Coaches
✅ Fans
✅ Family
“God” has been the most common answer in past MVP speeches, but some players go straight to thanking teammates or their mom.
6. Will a Kicker Hit the Upright?
Some books offer a bet on whether a field goal or extra point will hit the goalpost during the game.
- Yes: Usually around +400 (4-to-1 odds)
- No: Heavy favorite
Given the pressure and unpredictable nature of kicking in a Super Bowl, this bet has become a fan favorite.
The Evolution of Super Bowl Prop Bets
With sports betting now legal in many U.S. states, the variety of Super Bowl props has exploded. Today, you can bet on things like:
🎥 What commercial will air first—Coca-Cola or Pepsi?
🎤 Will Taylor Swift be shown during the broadcast?
📊 Will a fan run onto the field?
📺 How many times will the broadcast show the Kelce brothers’ mom?
The growth of social media and pop culture has fueled even crazier prop bets, making the Super Bowl a betting paradise.
Final Thoughts: Why Super Bowl Prop Bets Are So Popular
Super Bowl prop bets allow even casual fans to get involved in the action. You don’t need to know football strategy to bet on the Gatorade color or halftime song.
Whether you’re placing a serious wager or just throwing down $10 on a fun bet, props make the Super Bowl even more entertaining.
Pro Tips for Betting Super Bowl Props:
✅ Do Your Research – Past trends can be helpful.
✅ Bet for Fun – Some props are completely random!
✅ Set a Budget – Keep it entertaining, not stressful.
From The Fridge’s touchdown in 1986 to today’s halftime show wagers, Super Bowl prop betting has come a long way—and it’s here to stay.