Even before the advent of legal online sportsbooks, NFL fans have long been indulging in the excitement of the Super Bowl through gambling.
For many years, both diehard fans and casual participants have engaged in box pools, also known as squares pools, in the hopes of transforming a small amount of money into a significant jackpot.
Naturally, with the internet’s expansion, unlicensed pools became easily accessible everywhere, regardless of their credibility.
With less than a week remaining until Super Bowl 56, numerous individuals are likely seeking opportunities to participate in these pools. Generally, box pools require a modest entry fee.
Due to their inclusion of 100 available positions, most of these features offer substantial payouts, which vary based on their arrangement.
Nevertheless, NFL bettors no longer have to rely on these unregulated pools due to the availability of West Virginia sportsbooks and numerous others across the United States.
It is important to mention that running an internet box pool without the appropriate license is illegal in most states.
We should analyze the potential risks associated with these options and explore the available alternatives for the upcoming Super Bowl.
The problem with unregulated Super Bowl pools
During the week of the Super Bowl, unlicensed online pools often arise, presenting numerous concerns.
Although legal sports betting is available in many locations across the country, it is not accessible to all. To offer this service, verification as a provider and successful completion of multiple testing rounds are required before obtaining the necessary permits.
At present, there is no state that has taken steps to lower penalties or legalize the operation of an illicit sportsbook or pool in jurisdictions where sports betting is permitted.
In technical terms, the act of organizing such contests for the Super Bowl can be classified as establishing an unlawful lottery. These contests involve participants paying an entry fee, offering a prize, and relying on chance, which aligns them with other illegal lotteries.
To avoid any potential complications, it is essential to follow certain guidelines when organizing a squares pool. One effective measure is to limit the participation to close friends only and refrain from utilizing the internet in any manner. This approach significantly reduces the chances of encountering any difficulties.
Granting the general public access to your pool or promoting it online for others to join may result in authorities being notified. Additionally, pools that involve substantial financial investments tend to attract increased attention.
Licensed operators may consider intervening if your pool generates significant activity.
You never know, although it is rare for most cases to reach this point.
It is advisable to refrain from putting yourself in a situation that may lead to potential legal consequences. Rather than organizing a Super Bowl box pool, it is better to participate in one that is being hosted by a friend.
In order to ensure compliance with the law and avoid engaging in any illegal activities, you have the option to explore various alternatives offered by regulated sportsbooks.
DraftKings Squares for Super Bowl LVI
At DraftKings Sportsbook WV, bettors in the Mountain State can fully utilize the entirely cost-free Super Bowl pool for their benefit.
Participate in the Big Game Squares offered by this event for Sunday’s Super Bowl. By simply entering for free, you stand a chance to win a portion of the impressive $75,000 prize pool.
Similar to other box pools, you choose a square without prior knowledge of the numbers you will be assigned. However, DraftKings offers the advantage of allowing you to select your spot and later reveal the numbers you have once the game begins.
If you are not familiar with how these pools operate, the goal is to have the digits you are assigned match the scores of the respective teams. In the previous year, having a one for Tampa Bay and a nine for Kansas City was the winning combination.
Whoever owned the 1-9 combination had the fortune of receiving a substantial payout thanks to the 31-9 final score.
In the case of DraftKings and similar platforms, winners are announced at the end of each quarter during the game. While achieving the desired score during any of the breaks is commendable, the halftime and final scores hold considerably higher value.
The pay structure displayed on the online sportsbook is as follows:
- First quarter – $11,250
- Halftime – $22,500
- Third quarter – $11,250
- Final – $30,000
Users of DraftKings can only receive cash payouts, not site credit or free bets. Additionally, there is a restriction of one entry per account.
Additionally, the feature allows you to create a personalized pool for a squares contest, where you can exclusively invite your family and friends.
By taking either of these two routes, you get the best of both worlds – the exhilaration of competing with your friends for bragging rights, all while standing a chance to win a substantial amount of money.
To participate in this contest, remember to choose your spot prior to the commencement of the Super Bowl, which is set to start at 6:30 p.m. EST this Sunday.