A lot of fans of the NFL recognize Super Bowl Squares as the contest is popular for the big game every year. What many bettors may not know is that Pennsylvania sportsbooks are beginning to offer squares betting markets on a weekly basis for regular-season games, as well.
As opposed to betting on a game’s standard lines or player props, there are some sports betting platforms, like DraftKings PA, that allow you to wager on the score of a given game.
Of course, those familiar with the Super Bowl pool know there are better numbers to have than others. With squares, you bet on what you believe each sides’ second digit in their score will be, so some numbers are much more advantageous.
Now instead of being randomly assigned two numbers through your provided square, bettors are able to choose their own numbers and put money on them. While they vary, most of the payouts are quite favorable, too.
Let’s dive deeper into squares markets in the Keystone State.
NFL squares betting at Pennsylvania sportsbooks
Super Bowl squares have been popular for a long time. PA sportsbooks expanded the idea to every weekly NFL matchup, as well as the ability to select your own custom box.
Even though it’s difficult to predict the final score of any game, this new version of squares gives bettors a real opportunity.
For those unaware, a squares or box pool assigns 100 different number combinations. The two teams participating each get the numbers 0-10 placed on a box at random before the game.
When the numbers release, each bettor with a box then owns that provided number grouping for each specific team. So for instance, if you had a 4 for the Eagles and a 9 for the Cowboys, you would need the Eagles’ final score to end in that digit, and the Cowboys’ total points to end in a nine. A 34-29 victory for Philly results in a winning square (as would 24-19 and so on).
The beauty of the new squares markets now available at PA sportsbooks is the freedom to pick your numbers. Football scores obviously vary; however, there are certain digits that appear way more often. Ideal numbers typically include 7, 3, 4 and 0, which makes sense when you think about the point increments in football.
This is a great market for sportsbooks to debut because of how simple it is. As noted, most of the betting options come equipped with much more favorable odds compared to most props and standard lines. This appeals to beginner bettors who might want some added interest in a game without wagering too much money.
NFL squares odds available weekly at DraftKings Sportsbook PA
At the moment, DraftKings Sportsbook PA is the only operator providing squares markets for every single NFL contest.
Caesars Sportsbook previously rolled out the option of picking your box for Super Bowl betting last year in NJ, while BetRivers PA features a patent pending squares game launching later in the season.
DraftKings’ version is great because the online sportsbook actually gives bettors two options. The book lists squares odds for both the final result of the game, in addition to a market for each quarter. Naturally, the quarter options don’t pay as well, but your chances of hitting are significantly better.
The Director of Sportsbook Operations for DraftKings, Johnny Avello, talked about the success of its squares markets with PlayPennsylvania. He said:
“To date, DraftKings Squares has performed well and we are impressed with the engagement. We enjoy offering a variety markets to our customers.”
Although each individual game differs, the Bills vs. Lions Thanksgiving tilt shows a good example of what most other games look like. The favorite for the squares market for the entire game is the combination of Bills 7, Lions 0, at +2200. The reverse square is available at +2500, with the two 7 and 4 combinations posted at +2500 and +2800.
Bettors feeling risky can venture to the other end of these odds. Something like Lions 5, Bills 6, returns odds of +7000 for the final score.
The quarter markets don’t reach these levels of payouts, but they still offer high returns. The top option for a quarter shows Bills 7, Lions 0, at +300.
Quarters also supply a few more avenues for good potential squares, with the one for 7:7 available at +360. Bettors can find long-shot possibilities here, too. The square for Bills 9, Lions 8, sits at +5500.
BetRivers Sportsbook launching exclusive squares game
Other operators will likely be looking to offer their bettors a form of squares markets for NFL games in the near future. The Super Bowl will probably be the time several others release their version, if not sooner.
One operator potentially joining this space in the near future is BetRivers Sportsbook PA. In its latest earnings call for Q3, BetRivers’ parent company, Rush Street Interactive (RSI), discussed its new patent pending squares game.
RSI’s CEO and co-founder, Richard Schwartz, talked more about the operator’s plans. He said:
“We talk all the time about how we find ways to delight players and give them unique ways to engage, win and have fun with our platform. Players will be awarded squares based on their activities and bets and will win prizes when their numbers hit.”
Schwartz continued:
“Just like the incredible success we’ve had with online casino innovations, we are creating more ways for people to win and giving them more reasons to keep coming back to the platform.”
Currently, it’s unclear whether BetRivers’ squares will only be tied to a rewards game, or if its sportsbook app will also start offering weekly squares odds like DraftKings does. We will continue to provide updates regarding squares markets at PA online sportsbooks as they are added here at PlayPennsylvania.
