NFL Super Bowl Betting Reaches Billions

It's well known that the NFL Super Bowl is the biggest television event in the American sporting

calendar, but it's also worth noting that it's the biggest betting event, with billions set to be placed on the outcome of Super Bowl XLIV between Indianapolis and New Orleans.

An estimated $7 billion was placed around the world on last year's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. In the US state of Nevada, where betting on sports is legal, the state's Gaming Control Board reported a total of $81.5 million in bets.

And given the heavy impact of the financial crisis on last year's betting, the numbers are set to rise for this year's Super Bowl, which Indianapolis will start as slight favorites.

Las Vegas bookmakers have the Colts as 5.5 point favorites a week out from the game, although plenty of teams - including the "Perfect Season" New England Patriots two years ago - have lost the Super Bowl after starting stronger favorites than that.

Money is coming in for both teams at British bookmaker Ladbrokes, which has the Colts listed as 5/11, against the Saints at 9/5.

However, there is some likelihood of the Saints getting a decent start. They are evens in Ladbrokes Super Bowl specials in the betting to score the first touchdown, while Indi are 8/11.

And finally, for those who want to take their luck with numbers: The chances of the first touchdown scorer wearing an odd number are 2/5, against evens at 7/4.

Super Bowl XLIV kicks off in Miami at 1825 Eastern Time on Sunday February 7.