Greg's Corner

Super Bowl Betting Scams: Stay Safe!

By Greg Collier

With the Super Bowl just days away, fans are eagerly preparing for the showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Alongside the excitement of the game, sports betting has become an increasingly popular part of the experience, especially with the expansion of legal online gambling across the United States. However, this rapid growth has also attracted scammers looking to exploit eager bettors.

Fraudulent sports betting sites and apps have been popping up, designed to mimic legitimate platforms while ultimately stealing money and personal information. These scams often lure users with enticing promotions, such as ‘risk-free’ bonuses or guaranteed wins, only to prevent withdrawals when bettors attempt to cash out. Common tactics include claiming technical difficulties, requiring excessive identity verification, or demanding additional deposits to unlock winnings.

To stay safe, it is crucial to place bets only through reputable and licensed sportsbooks. Checking with your state’s gaming commission or using resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) can help verify whether a platform is legitimate. Be wary of pop-up ads, unsolicited betting offers, and anyone claiming to have insider knowledge. These are all red flags.

While betting can add an extra layer of excitement to the game, it is important to gamble responsibly. Never wager more than you can afford to lose, and if you feel that betting is becoming a problem, there are resources available to help. Organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org) and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) offer support for those struggling with gambling addiction.

As the Super Bowl approaches, fans should focus on enjoying the game rather than falling victim to scams. Whether you’re rooting for the Eagles or the Chiefs, keeping your bets safe and responsible ensures that the excitement of the big game remains just that—exciting.