The Super Bowl has historically been the biggest single day betting event in Nevada and the ultimate goal has been a $100 million Super Bowl handle.

According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which regulates gambling in that state, the record stands at $94.5 million set in 2006 when the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks.

Las Vegas Hotel and Casino sportsbook director Jay Kornegay, famous for the hundreds of Super Bowl prop bets he creates each year, typically takes a cautious stand when discussing whether an upcoming Super Bowl will produce a record handle.

But this is an unusual Super Bowl with many story lines. Internet reports believe last year's record of 111.3 million people viewing the game will be shattered and Las Vegas officials are anticipating the Super Bowl betting record will fall too.

Kornegay agrees.

"I think Nevada sports books will have a record handle this year," Kornegay said. "About 80 to 90 percent of the total wagering on the Super Bowl takes place between the Friday and Sunday leading up to the game. Wagering has gone well this week indicating there is a lot of interest in this game. The Baltimore Ravens have been getting the most early betting interest but we believe a large amount of money on the 49ers will come in this weekend."

Mark Franco, a New Haven native who is a professional sports gambler in Las Vegas, is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding a record Super Bowl handle.

"All the early money has come in on the Ravens as the line has dropped from as high as 5 to what it is now (San Francisco favored by 3 1/2)," Franco said. "Sports book directors do expect the 49ers money to come late as most of the betting happens Friday to Sunday.
"Sports book managers are talking about coming close to a record handle but I'm not sure it will get there. We'll see."