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Seneca Casinos gear up for Super Bowl betting

Photo by Michael Mroziak
/
WBFO News File Photo

Sunday's Super Bowl is expected to draw a big crowd to each of the Seneca Nation casinos in Western New York, where sports gambling is now allowed. The Senecas opened their sports gambling lounges two months ago.

Gavin Mercado, executive director of Sports Books and Interactive Gaming, said his employees are ready.

"Every week, we learn something new. We've had two months of training," Mercado said. "We're well equipped to handle (Super Bowl betting), and we're looking forward to it."

Mercado said bets will be accepted for what are known in the gaming industry as "props." Gamblers can bet on the winning team, total points scored and dozens of other props.  But there are some bets that are not allowed by state law, such as who will win the coin toss or how long the National Anthem will be. 

Mercado said people interest in gambling on the Super Bowl must place their bets at one of the casinos. Online and telephone bets are not allowed.

The American Gaming Association estimates some 26 million Americans will bet $6.8 billion on Sunday's game.