For football fans, this upcoming weekend is arguably the biggest of the year.
The Super Bowl goes down this Sunday (Feb. 4) and more than 100 million people in America and 6 million north of the border are expected to tune in to the most watched television event of the year.
But a large part of the popularity of the National Football League is tied to gambling.
The Nevada Gaming Control board reported that $87.5 million was bet on last year's Super Bowl alone. Keep in mind that's just one state and the total amount of money gambled on the game is mind-boggling.
But what about the casual fan? The guy or girl who just likes to enjoy the spectacle and doesn't really know about the game or the players. How can the game be more enjoyable for them?
For all those people, there is the magical world of offshore betting websites.
Thanks to these sites, you can bet on almost anything and everything imaginable and not care one iota about sports. For example, take a look at some of these entertainment prop bets that can be found on the Bovada (formerly Bodog) sports book site.
What will Madonna be using to start the Super Bowl halftime show? Headset: -300; Handheld Microphone: +200.
Personally, I think the handheld microphone is worth the gamble. Madonna's old-school like that, eh?
How many times will Giselle Bundchen be shown on TV during the game? Over/Under of .
For those unaware, Bundchen is the drop-dead gorgeous supermodel wife of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. This one is a gimme - take the over. She'll be in the owner's box pretending to care the entire game and the cameras love her.
How long will it take Kelly Clarkson to sing the National Anthem? Over/Under 1 minute 34 seconds.
This one is totally going over. Christina Aguilera went 1:54 last year (and forgot the "ramparts" in the anthem) and I think the big stage will cause Clarkson to drag it out a bit due to nervousness.
And lastly, my personal favourite bet each and every year:
What colour will the Gatorade (or liquid) be that is dumped on the head coach of the winning team? Clear 7/4; Orange 9/4; Yellow 5/2; Red 6/1; Green 7-1; Blue 10-1.
I think both red and blue are solid choices here. Fruit punch is a popular Gatorade flavour and everyone knows blue Gatorade is clearly the most delicious.
So, there you go, several new ways for all the non-football fans out there to get interested in the big game. As for the game, I like the Giants over the Patriots 38-21, with Victor Cruz picking up most valuable player honours.
Enjoy your Super Sunday, Squamish!
