Wagerers waffling about Super Bowl

Opinions on the Super Bowl are formed by almost everyone, even those who normally bore their friends with debates about politics or discussions about the traffic and weather.

Such is the popularity of the NFL's biggest game. But settling on a side -- either the New England Patriots or New York Giants -- has been a mental tug-of-war for many as Sunday approaches.

The Patriots, seeking to finish a 19-0 season, are 12-point favorites.

"I certainly go back and forth when looking at both sides, and I think that's what the public is doing right now," Caesars Palace sports book director Chuck Esposito said. "So many people are still undecided with that number sitting at 12.

"In the 48 hours leading up to kickoff, you probably see 60 to 70 percent of your handle come in at the point."

New England opened as a 131/2-point favorite, and the early money was on the underdog Giants to drive down the line. But with most of the betting action expected to surface today and Sunday, the line might be on the move.

"It could go back to 13," Las Vegas Sports Consultants oddsmaker Kenny White said. "I think most of the big wagers will be on the Patriots."

As of Friday, Esposito said New York wagers were coming in at a 3-to-1 ratio, despite 12 being a "dead number." That means bettors who like the Patriots should lay 12, but bettors who prefer the Giants might want to wait and hope to see 13, which is more of a key number in wagering.

The total opened at 55, dropped to 531/2 and settled at 541/2 on Friday. Esposito said it probably will go back to 55.

"Early on, the betting was entirely one-sided on the under, but that has changed dramatically," he said.

The record handle in Nevada for a Super Bowl is $94.5 million, set two years ago, but Esposito said, "I think we definitely have a shot at that record and $100 million. We're seeing a lot of action."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2907.