Super Bowl betting has grown far beyond point spreads, totals, and MVP markets. Each year, sportsbooks roll out novelty props that turn tiny broadcast moments, sideline rituals, and halftime details into wagerable events. Some are silly, some are surprisingly strategic, and many are available only in specific regions, but they remain part of what makes the biggest football night feel like a pop culture carnival.
TLDR: Weird Super Bowl bets can include the coin toss, the color of the Gatorade bath, the length of the national anthem, and even whether a rare scoring event happens. For example, a bettor placing $20 on a Gatorade color at +300 would profit $60 if that color hits. Some markets are close to random, such as the coin toss, where a -105 price implies about a 51.2% break-even probability. The smartest approach is usually small-stakes entertainment rather than treating novelty props like serious investments.
1. The Coin Toss Result
The coin toss is the classic weird Super Bowl bet because it has nothing to do with team strength, coaching, or game planning. Bettors can often wager on heads or tails, which team wins the toss, and sometimes whether the winner chooses to receive or defer. It feels simple, but the price matters. A line of -105 on each side is common, meaning the bettor pays a small fee for a nearly 50-50 event. It is pure chance, yet it remains one of the most popular novelty bets every year.
2. National Anthem Length
The national anthem prop asks whether the performance will go over or under a posted time, often around 90 to 125 seconds depending on the singer. This market attracts bettors who study past performances, rehearsal clips, vocal style, and whether the artist tends to hold the final note. It is strange because the bet is not about football at all, but it can involve real research. A singer known for dramatic pauses may push the over, while a faster, traditional version may favor the under.
3. Gatorade Bath Color
Few Super Bowl scenes are more chaotic than a coach being drenched with sports drink as the clock expires. Sportsbooks may offer odds on the color of the Gatorade bath, with orange, blue, yellow, clear, red, and purple appearing as choices. This bet has developed a cult following because past team habits sometimes matter. Bettors may look at a franchise’s recent celebrations, sideline photos, or even the team’s brand colors. Still, the winning bucket can depend on whatever is closest to the players in the final seconds.
4. The First Touchdown Scorer’s Position
Instead of picking the exact player to score first, some sportsbooks allow bettors to wager on the position of the first touchdown scorer. Options may include wide receiver, running back, tight end, quarterback, defensive player, or no touchdown. This is a fun alternative because it turns play-calling tendencies into the main angle. A team with a dominant rushing attack may make running back attractive, while a pass-heavy red-zone offense could point toward tight end or wide receiver.
5. Will There Be a Safety?
A safety is one of football’s rarest scoring plays, which is exactly why it becomes a weird Super Bowl prop. Bettors can wager on whether either team records one during the game. The odds are usually long because safeties require unusual field position, pressure, mistakes, or a penalty in the end zone. This bet often appeals to fans who enjoy chaos. While it is unlikely, a single bad snap or trapped quarterback can turn the wager into one of the night’s most memorable hits.
6. The “Octopus” Bet
The octopus is a niche football betting term for a player who scores a touchdown and then scores the immediate two-point conversion after that same touchdown. It is called an octopus because the sequence is worth eight points. This is a rare but real prop offered at some sportsbooks. It usually requires a team to attempt a two-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point, which may happen because of score, strategy, weather, or late-game urgency. Bettors considering this market often focus on mobile quarterbacks, goal-line running backs, and versatile receivers.
7. Halftime Show Props
The halftime show can create some of the strangest Super Bowl bets available. Depending on the market and jurisdiction, bettors may find props related to the first song performed, the number of songs in the setlist, guest appearances, outfit color, or whether a specific phrase is said. These wagers blend music fandom with betting strategy. Fans may examine tour setlists, streaming popularity, artist interviews, and collaborations. However, halftime props can be limited in regulated U.S. markets, so availability varies widely.
8. Broadcast and Commercial Props
Some Super Bowl props focus on what appears during the broadcast rather than what happens on the field. Markets may involve the first commercial category shown, how many times a celebrity appears, whether a certain animal is featured in an ad, or how often the broadcast mentions a famous fan. These bets capture the fact that the Super Bowl is not just a game; it is also a television event. They are usually more common through international or novelty-focused operators, and local rules determine whether they can be offered.
How Bettors Should Approach Weird Super Bowl Props
Novelty props are best treated as entertainment. A bettor may have an informed opinion on anthem length or halftime songs, but many of these markets contain randomness and higher bookmaker margins. The key is to compare odds, understand the exact wording of the wager, and check how the sportsbook grades the result. For example, a Gatorade prop may specify the first liquid poured on the winning coach, while another book might use an official broadcast determination.
Responsible bankroll management matters even with small, funny bets. Instead of scattering large amounts across dozens of novelty markets, many experienced bettors set aside a separate Super Bowl prop budget. That keeps the fun intact while preventing a party bet from becoming an expensive mistake. The weirdest props can make friends laugh, but they should still be placed with clear limits and realistic expectations.
FAQ
Are weird Super Bowl bets legal?
They can be legal where regulated sportsbooks are allowed to offer them, but availability depends on local gambling laws. Some states or countries permit game-based props but restrict entertainment or broadcast-related markets.
What is the weirdest Super Bowl bet?
The Gatorade bath color, octopus bet, and national anthem length are often considered among the weirdest. Broadcast and halftime show props can be even stranger when available.
Can bettors actually win money on novelty props?
Yes, but many novelty props have uncertain outcomes and less predictable data. They are usually better for small-stakes fun than for serious long-term betting strategy.
Which Super Bowl prop is closest to random?
The coin toss is the clearest example of a nearly random prop. Heads and tails are roughly 50-50 outcomes, though sportsbook pricing may slightly reduce expected value.
Do all sportsbooks offer these bets?
No. Each sportsbook follows different rules, and regulators may limit what can be posted. Bettors should check a licensed operator in their area before assuming a specific novelty prop is available.