There’s nothing more American than the Super Bowl. Well … scratch that, there is something more American than the Super Bowl and that comes right before the kickoff to the Big Game, the National Anthem. Betting on the National Anthem has become a very popular prop bet over the last decade or so, and this year’s singer has not given us much of an indication of how long she plans to belt the Star Spangled Banner. While the length of the National Anthem is the primary attraction in terms of betting on the song, offshore sportsbook BetDSI is offering other options too.
Super Bowl LIII Length of National Anthem
Over 107 Seconds -141 Under 107 Seconds +100
Almost 30 years ago, Gladys Knight sang the National Anthem at a sporting event. While I can’t find the details surrounding that performance, the audio exists on YouTube, and that gives us a data point. Knight finished in 97 seconds, and a repeat performance would make her one of the fastest finishers in the modern era.
Related: Super Bowl Prop Betting
Since Super Bowl 40, only two performers gone under 107 seconds with their renditions of the National Anthem. Billy Joel finished in 90 seconds flat, while Kelly Clarkson finished in 94 seconds. That points to the over, as does some qualitative data. Knight’s style is most similar to women like Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, and Renee Fleming, and all three of those performers went well over that number.
Knight has said that singing the National Anthem in her hometown has been one of her dreams, and she’s going to grab the spotlight here. The Empress of Soul has said she wants to give the anthem back its voice, and that should be another strong indication to bet the over.
Will Gladys Knight take a knee or raise her first during or following the National Anthem?
No -1250 Yes +700
The NFL has been very cautious with its choice of performers since Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson shocked the world 15 years ago. Rather than go with a hip-hop act for the halftime show, they chose the milquetoast Maroon 5, and from all of Knight’s press it seems unlikely she will stir the pot. Knight is a singer and not an activist, so its very unlikely she uses this moment to take a stand. The ‘No’ is the play here.
Will any player take a knee during the National Anthem?
No -714 Yes +400
Although some players around the NFL are still taking a knee in support of Colin Kaepernick, that number has fallen over the last two years. More importantly, we have yet to see it in the postseason to my knowledge, and its unlikely that a player will grab the spotlight in such a big way.
Will any player raise a fist during the National Anthem?
No -556 Yes +400
The oddsmakers, and me, think that this is a little more likely to happen. Players can get caught up in the moment and raise a fist without thinking twice, while taking a knee is a more thought-out, deliberate action. It’s still unlikely that it happens, but there could be some value in a ‘Yes’ bet here.
