JACKPOT, Nev. (KMVT/KSVT) — The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and football fans across the Magic Valley are heading south to place bets on the game.

As the Eagles and Chiefs prepare to face off this Sunday, Cactus Pete’s Casino Resort will become a hotbed for sports bettors from the Magic Valley.

Vice President and General Manager Brandon Smith said the sportsbook area is popular. Still, more significant events like the big game attract a larger crowd.

“Super Bowl is, of course, number one, followed by March Madness, which is a very exciting time to be here as well,” Smith said.

Smith said he expects thousands of people to come down this weekend, and the casino has been preparing for this.

Vice President of Hospitality Tom O’Connor said they have been stocking up on food to feed the hungry crowds.

“Our chefs are always in the kitchen; lot of focus on culinary greatness here,” O’Connor said.

Smith added they are adjusting the hours of some establishments as well.

“We’re extending some of the hours for our restaurants,” Smith said. “Our plateau nonsmoking area has increased the hours so it’s open on Sunday.

”On top of that, they have been gathering the necessary staff as well.“

Definitely on the weekends is when we are at our best and we have most of our team members here to take care of things,” Smith said.

While the bets are evenly split between the two teams, gamblers are also testing their luck on other Super Bowl wagers.

“Most common is the coin toss; the first person to get a touchdown is always a popular one, most rushing yards. It’s crazy how many different bets they have available,” Smith said.

Smith added that there are also some fun bets based on the names of the players and featuring some unique tie-ins.

“It’s called ‘All Bark Bark No Bite.’ It is Saquon Barkley to get zero touchdowns and the Chiefs win,” Smith said. “‘My Number is Lucky’ for Travis Kelsey to get 87 plus yards,” Smith said.

Smith reminds people that they need to be 21 or older to place bets at the casino. You can do so until kickoff time, though some bets can be placed during the game as well.

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