Super Bowl LV takes place this weekend between defending champions Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and here at FSB we're all set for the showdown.

‍With the Super Bowl the headline sports betting event in the US, our Head of Trading Mark Wilson was keen to point out the increased offering we have this year for our partners,

"We have really ramped up our market coverage for the big event this year and are seeing good business across a range of markets. Our partners are really pushing the match in a number of ways and we're very confident we'll smash our record in terms of bets taken. Line and points doubles are particularly popular with a big proportion of our platform end users."

Wilson went on to explain how our books are looking as the big day approaches,

"This week in the run up to the Super Bowl we're seeing lively early business especially on the money line and thus far we are seeing around 80% of the bets on Tampa. In terms of our futures book we very much prefer Kansas."

‍Luke Conlan is our US Sports specialist on the trading desk and he was full of pride when explaining what's in store for our partners' end users this forthcoming Super Bowl day

"We have really increased our Player Prop offering this year and now have available for the first time markets such as Over/Under Interceptions and Completions for both Quarterbacks. Overall we currently have 67 Game Props and Novelty Specials which include the likes of what song will be performed first at the Half Time Show."

‍In the US our Vice President of Operations, Bob Akeret was keen to share his industry view on how the next few days will pan out,

"While we've already seen some creative campaigns from operators far and wide, keep an eye out leading up to kickoff for narratives looking to persuade picks in either direction, promotional offerings and contests to engage and drive users to retail and online operations."

The importance of having the right technology partner can't be underestimated, says Akeret,

"Operators who are partnered with a superior platform and technology provider, along with an equally creative team will be in the driver's seat with the most flexibility in terms of what innovative bits they can offer, but most importantly how they can deliver them at scale. When the dust settles, it will be interesting to see the splits of sharp vs casual action, breakdown of total handle, average bet size and actives on the game."

Akeret was also quick to point out why this year's Super Bowl will have a different sports betting complexion to previous editions,

"With Covid 19 protocols and contact tracing, sharps and bookmakers alike will be on the edge of their seats looking for any information ahead of the public that may have an impact on the game and give them an edge. In past years there was the risk of a stray injury before the big game but this year's added element will make for volatility and a sweat before the game even kicks off."

‍While we're all excited here at FSB for the big event, our North America team are especially pumped for the showdown. Here are some of their match verdicts...

Larry Pelzer, Vice President Sales, North America: While it's hard to not overlook what Patrick Mahomes has achieved in his short career, I believe that Bad Boys for Life, Brady and the Gronk will draw on all of their past big game wisdom and pull off the upset of the Kansas City Chiefs. But mark my words...if the Chiefs stay intact as a squad, they will be back next year.

‍Prediction: Chiefs 35 Bucs 38

‍Bob Akeret, Vice President Operations, North America: I've picked against Tom Brady all season and I've got to be right one of these times. Also being a Philly guy, I'm all in on Andy Reid and will always root against TB12! Chiefs win with a last minute TD but do not cover the -3.5 and the over hits Prediction: Chiefs 37 Bucs 34

‍Mike Van Ermen, Vice President Pre Sales, North America:I like Kansas City to cover. They are way too dynamic of an offense to be slowed down, especially on the outside with their receivers. The only way I can see Tampa keeping it moderately close is if their pass rush continues to get home. That is overall a major strength of that defense (in addition to their middle linebackers), and it was a major factor in their win against Green Bay (who also has a very good offense, though not as good as the Chiefs). If the Bucs don’t get major pressure on Mahomes, it may be a long day for them Prediction: Chiefs 35 Bucs 28

‍Lisa Waterfield, Sales, North America: It's officially Super Bowl 55 week, Chiefs vs Buccaneers. The Chiefs have a chance to become the NFL's first repeat champion in 16 years and the Buccaneers are the first team ever to play at home. Patrick Mahomes is looking to become the youngest to win multiple Super Bowls and Tom Brady is looking to become the first player to win seven championships. The Chiefs are going to score a lot of points and I'm not sure the Buccaneers are going to be able to keep up. This Super Bowl will go down to the wire in a wild Mahomes vs. Brady duel, but I think the Chiefs will pull it off.

‍Prediction: Chiefs 34 Bucs 27