This guide helps hosts pick and run easy Super Bowl games that fit their group size, risk tolerance, and time. It covers common wagering formats, non-betting alternatives, ready-to-print options, and practical house rules. You will find step-by-step instructions for Super Bowl Squares, advice on using printable prop-bet sheets, family-friendly commercial bingo ideas, and straightforward templates for rules, budgets, and tax-aware record keeping. The focus is on keeping games fun, fair, and compliant.

Super Bowl Squares is a low-prep 10x10 grid game that works for large, mixed groups.

Printable prop-bet sheets from major outlets provide ready-made questions and tiebreakers for structured fun.

Commercial bingo offers a family-friendly, non-betting way to stay engaged during commercials and halftime.

What super bowl wagering games are and the legal basics to check first

When hosts talk about super bowl wagering games they usually mean a handful of familiar formats: informal pools where people pick outcomes, sweepstakes or skill-based prediction challenges, and structured party games that award prizes for correct guesses. It helps to separate social pools, skill-based sweepstakes, and regulated sports betting so you know what to run and whether you should collect money at all. A quick state-by-state check is the easiest first step before you accept entries or set an entry fee, and many hosts rely on a current legal tracker for guidance American Gaming Association legal tracker

Definitions matter. A social pool is typically a group of friends who contribute to a common pot and award winners based on a predetermined rule. A skill-based sweepstakes emphasizes prediction and clear evaluation criteria rather than chance, and many platforms use virtual funded accounts and rules that look like contests rather than wagers. Regulated sports betting operates under state licensing and specific consumer protections, so it is not the same as a private pool or a skill challenge.

Before you collect money, run a short checklist with participants: confirm state rules on paid pools, decide whether to use non-monetary prizes, set an entry cap, and agree on dispute processes. These precautions reduce legal exposure and keep the event social instead of commercial. For hosts who want a compact reminder of state rules, consult an up-to-date state tracker before taking entries American Gaming Association legal tracker

Quick pre-game legality checklist for hosts

Check state betting legality
Confirm no prohibited participants
Set entry cap
Establish prize handling

Use official trackers to verify rules

Responsible-play guidance helps hosts set the right tone. Keep budgets explicit, discourage chasing losses, and frame any monetary activity as social entertainment rather than a profit opportunity. A short statement at the start of the event reminding players of limits and available help resources reflects best practice and aligns with safer-play recommendations National Council on Problem Gambling safer-play guidance

How Super Bowl Squares work: an easy 10x10 grid for any group

Super Bowl Squares is one of the easiest super bowl wagering games to run for groups of almost any size. The format uses a 10x10 grid where one team is listed across the top and the other down the side. Hosts or participants take squares until the grid is full, then each axis is assigned the digits 0 through 9 at random. Winners are determined by the last digit of each team’s score at the end of each quarter, which makes scoring simple even for guests who do not follow football closely Sports Illustrated how-to (also see Action Network printable guide and FanDuel printable prop-bet sheet).

Step-by-step setup, numbered for clarity, makes this accessible to beginners:

Draw a 10 by 10 grid on paper or print a template and label one axis for each team.
Have players buy or claim squares until all 100 are filled.
After the grid fills, randomly assign the digits 0 to 9 along each axis so no one can choose a favorable number in advance.
Record the digit assignment publicly and post the filled grid where everyone can see it.
Score the board at the end of each quarter using the last digit of each team’s score; award the quarter prizes as pre-agreed.

Prize splits are flexible and should be communicated before play. A common low-friction split is to award equal portions for first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and final score, or to allocate larger shares to the final score and halftime. Tiebreakers are straightforward: use a pre-agreed secondary rule such as the closest predicted final combined score or a random draw among tied winners.

Adaptations keep the game fair and short. If you expect lots of late arrivals, leave a few squares unclaimed and assign them randomly; that avoids midgame disputes. For smaller groups, run a reduced grid or pool adjacent squares together so everyone has a stake without needing 100 participants. These small changes maintain the simple mechanics that make Squares a reliable choice for mixed groups and casual players.

Printable prop-bet sheets: running a structured prop game

Printable prop-bet sheets give hosts a ready-to-print set of questions about in-game events, commercial outcomes, and halftime moments. Major outlets publish these sheets annually with clear questions and a tiebreaker to decide close contests, making them a low-prep option for competitive guests who enjoy predicting specifics The Washington Post printable prop-bet sheet. Other printable options include guides from Legal Sports Report.

Use and customization are simple. Print one sheet per player or table, and decide whether picks are turned in before kickoff or between quarters. Scoring is usually points-based: award one point per correct pick, and use a numerical tiebreaker such as the closest guess to the final combined score. For paid pools, keep entry amounts modest and check local rules; for family or mixed groups, convert prizes to non-monetary rewards like gift cards or a small trophy. You can also find additional printable prop-bet sheets from outlets like FanDuel if you want multiple formats.

Download a quick printable prop-bet checklist

Print a compact one-page checklist of rules, scoring guidance, and a tiebreaker you can hand out with prop-bet sheets so players know how points will be tallied and disputes resolved.

Get the printable checklist

Hosts can scale difficulty and involvement. Offer optional “prop rounds” that focus on commercials, halftime performance, or first-score specifics. To keep the game moving, limit the number of props per round and use a visible scoreboard or single person to tally results. If the group prefers a non-monetary approach, clearly mark the sheet as a contest with a symbolic prize to avoid confusion about stakes.

Commercial bingo and other family-friendly, non-betting activities

Close up of a filled 10 by 10 paper squares grid with random digits and small prize tokens on a dark Funded Plays background for super bowl wagering games

Commercial bingo cards are an inclusive, family-friendly option that keep viewers engaged during ad breaks and halftime. Printable cards list common commercial tropes or ad features and award winners when a row or column fills during commercials. Many reputable outlets publish free printable cards each year so hosts can set up quick rounds without creating content from scratch AARP commercial bingo printables

Commercial bingo works well across mixed-age groups because it replaces score tracking with ad-watching, making the game accessible to younger guests or those who do not follow game details. Time cards to ad breaks and halftime so rounds have clear start and stop points. For larger groups, run simultaneous bingo rounds with staggered cards to reduce ties and keep the pace lively.

Other low-prep, inclusive options include short trivia rounds tied to halftime history, team-themed charades during breaks, or a simple team-score prediction sheet that rewards the closest guess without monetary exchange. Converting wagering-style mechanics into contest formats with non-monetary rewards keeps the focus on fun and avoids legal complications.

Setting house rules, budgets and responsible-play basics

Clear written rules are the backbone of any enjoyable game night. A short house-rules template should cover eligibility, prize distribution, tiebreakers, and how disputes will be resolved. Use plain language and have one person act as arbiter so decisions are quick and consistent.

Sample house-rules template you can copy:

House Rules: Eligibility: participants must be present to win; Entry: $___ per sheet or opt for non-monetary entry; Prize split: X for each quarter, Y for final; Tiebreaker: closest final combined score; Disputes: host decision final.

What are the easiest Super Bowl games to run for mixed groups?

Simple formats like Super Bowl Squares for large groups, printable prop-bet sheets for prediction fans, and commercial bingo for families are the easiest to run and adapt to different group sizes.

Budget and social-play guidelines are simple. Set an entry cap per player to keep costs predictable, consider non-monetary prizes for family events, and encourage players to stick to a pre-set budget. A short pre-game statement that includes these points helps manage expectations and aligns with safer-play practices National Council on Problem Gambling safer-play guidance

Practical tips: announce the total prize pool before play, record who paid and what they entered, and avoid pressuring guests to increase stakes. If someone appears uncomfortable or seems to be chasing losses, pause and offer non-monetary alternatives or let them withdraw from paid rounds without stigma.

Taxes and reporting: what hosts and winners should know

In the United States, gambling winnings are taxable and may be reportable to the IRS. Large or reportable prizes can trigger information reporting forms, and hosts who run paid pools should keep basic records of entries and payouts. The IRS guidance clarifies that winners must report gambling income and that losses are deductible only if itemized and limited to the amount of winnings IRS Topic 419 on gambling income and losses

For most casual pools, record keeping can be straightforward: list participant names, entry amounts, and prize distributions in a simple spreadsheet or on a printed sign-up sheet. If prizes are material or cash sums are substantial, consider reminding winners to consult tax guidance or a tax professional for their personal filing responsibilities.

Minimal 2D vector illustration of a neat stack of printable prop bet sheets and commercial bingo cards with a pen on top on a dark Funded Plays background for super bowl wagering games

Hosts should also be mindful that state-level rules on taxation and legality vary. A quick check of your state's current rules helps determine whether additional reporting or registration is necessary for larger or paid events American Gaming Association legal tracker

Common mistakes hosts make and how to avoid them

Ambiguous rules top the list of avoidable errors. If prize splits, tiebreakers, or entry deadlines are unclear, disputes often follow. Fix this by writing clear rules, sticking to deadlines, and communicating the process to all players before kickoff. A short printed rules sheet resolves most misunderstandings Sports Illustrated how-to for squares

Funded Plays Challenges

Get the printable checklist

Poor timing and slow scoring can also sap the fun. Assign one person to tally results and announce winners promptly at each quarter or halftime. If a game feels too complex for the group, switch to a simpler printable or a family-friendly bingo round to keep momentum.

Collecting money without checking local rules is a common legal pitfall. If you plan to accept funds, confirm state rules in advance and keep amounts modest, or convert payouts to non-monetary prizes to avoid questions about legality. Where in doubt, treat the game as a free contest with symbolic awards.

Practical examples: templates, timelines and quick scripts to run games

Here is a sample timeline for a four-hour Super Bowl party to show when to run each game and award prizes: (see downloadable templates on the Funded Plays blog how-fundedplays-evaluations-work)

Pre-game (30 to 45 minutes before kickoff): set up squares and distribute prop-bet sheets; collect entries and confirm eligibility.
Kickoff to first quarter: announce digit assignments for Squares and confirm scoring rules.
Between quarters: tally first-quarter winners and award small prizes or symbolic tokens.
Halftime: run commercial bingo and prop-bet scoring; award halftime prizes immediately.
Second half: continue quarter scoring and announce final winners promptly after the game.

Copy-ready rule snippets make execution easier. For Squares: "Entry: $X per square. Digit assignment happens after grid fills. Quarter winners paid as: Q1 $A, Q2 $B, Q3 $C, Final $D. Tiebreaker: closest combined final score." For prop sheets: "One point per correct pick. Tiebreaker: closest numerical guess to final combined score." These short lines fit on printouts or on a small table sign. (See the Funded Plays blog for related templates: Funded Plays blog.)

Fallback options keep the night fluid. If many guests arrive late, reserve up to 10 squares for random assignment to avoid midgame chaos. If a game finishes early, use spare prop-bet rounds or a quick bonus bingo game to engage remaining players. Testing a dry run with a small group before game night helps hosts anticipate timing and scoring snags.

Wrap-up: choosing games that fit your crowd and keep the night fun

Quick decision guide: choose Squares for large mixed groups that want a low-skill, social format; use printable prop-bet sheets for guests who enjoy prediction and scoring; pick commercial bingo for family-friendly, non-betting play. Match the game to the group size and risk tolerance to keep the vibe right The Washington Post printable prop-bet sheet

Final checklist before you start: check legality in your state, set clear written rules, and decide on a budget or non-monetary prize plan. Remind players about limits and keep the atmosphere social. These simple steps help hosts run fair, inclusive, and enjoyable Super Bowl activities that prioritize fun and safety National Council on Problem Gambling safer-play guidance. For additional templates and resources visit Funded Plays.

Do I need to check state laws before running a paid Super Bowl pool?

Yes. Legality varies by state. Use a current state-by-state legal tracker to confirm rules before collecting money or running paid pools.

What is the simplest game to run for a large group?

Super Bowl Squares is the simplest: a 10 by 10 grid with digits 0 to 9 assigned after the grid fills and quarter-by-quarter payouts.

Are winnings taxable?

Yes. In the U.S., gambling winnings are taxable and may be reportable; losses are deductible only if you itemize and up to the amount of winnings.

Choose games that match your crowd and keep rules clear. A short pre-game statement about limits and dispute processes goes a long way toward a smooth night. When in doubt about legality or tax treatment, consult the appropriate state resources or a tax professional. Prioritizing clear rules and responsible play makes the Super Bowl more enjoyable for everyone.