What Is an Octopus in Betting?

The Octopus Bet Explained: Dive Deep into Super Bowl Betting

Super Bowl betting is a yearly tradition that attracts casual and avid bettors alike, offering a wide variety of bets that range from the conventional to the unusual. Among these intriguing options is the ‘octopus’ bet. Let’s dive into what it means and why it’s catching attention for Super Bowl 57.

Understanding the Octopus Bet

The octopus bet is a relatively new addition to the world of NFL betting. Coined by Mitch Goldich of Sports Illustrated in 2019, this term describes a unique situation where a player scores a touchdown and subsequently succeeds in a two-point conversion. Why the term ‘octopus’? Simple: an octopus has eight limbs, and this specific sequence adds eight points to a team’s total.

Though this bet isn’t commonly found during regular NFL games, it makes a special appearance in the vast prop bet menu of the Super Bowl.

Chiefs and Octopus Bets: A Brief Recap

Throughout the 2022-23 season, the Chiefs took on the two-point conversion five times, with three successful attempts. Notably, Patrick Mahomes showcased his prowess with an octopus during a critical match against the Titans in Week 9.

Eagles’ Encounter with the Octopus

The Eagles attempted four two-point conversions during the season, successfully completing two. Jalen Hurts notably achieved an octopus in Week 15 against the Bears.

Historical Significance of the Octopus Bet

The octopus is a rare event in NFL history. In the 56 Super Bowl games prior, not a single octopus has been recorded. Since the NFL introduced the two-point conversion in 1994, out of thousands of games, only 175 have witnessed the elusive octopus.

Conclusion: A Bet Worth Taking?

Betting on the occurrence of an octopus is undoubtedly one of the more niche prop bets for the Super Bowl. Given its rarity, it’s a high-risk, high-reward choice. As always, when navigating the vast waters of Super Bowl betting, it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge and strategy.