Massive Bets Placed on Mark Wahlberg's Super Bowl Attendance

Speculation on social media and college campuses drove over $23 million in wagers on whether the actor would show up to the big game.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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An astonishing amount of money, over $23.7 million, was wagered on whether actor Mark Wahlberg would attend Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California. The betting frenzy was allegedly driven by unconfirmed speculation spread across college campuses and social media platforms. As of Monday, the betting market operator Kalshi had yet to settle the wagers, with 'No' on Wahlberg's attendance trading at a 98% probability.

Why it matters

The massive amount of money bet on Wahlberg's attendance highlights the intense interest and speculation surrounding celebrity involvement in major sporting events like the Super Bowl. This case also raises questions about the role of unverified social media rumors in driving betting behavior and the need for more transparency and accountability in the rapidly growing world of proposition betting.

The details

According to ESPN's David Purdum, over $23.7 million was bet on whether Wahlberg would attend the Super Bowl, more than the combined total of 31 other celebrities listed on the betting market and over five times the $4.6 million bet on former President Donald Trump's attendance. The betting was allegedly fueled by rumors spread on social media and college campuses that Wahlberg's daughter had said he would go to support his beloved New England Patriots, who ultimately lost the game 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks.

  • Super Bowl 60 took place on February 10, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Mark Wahlberg

A popular American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Boogie Nights' and 'The Departed'. Wahlberg is also a passionate fan of the New England Patriots.

Kalshi

A betting market operator that offered a proposition bet on whether Wahlberg would attend the Super Bowl.

David Purdum

An ESPN reporter who reported on the massive amount of money bet on Wahlberg's Super Bowl attendance.

Drake Maye

The quarterback for the New England Patriots, who had a disappointing performance in their 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks

The team that defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60.

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What they’re saying

“He was spitting out F-bombs and going crazy. It was bad. He was lying down on the carpet. He was very upset.”

— Mark Wahlberg (ESPN)

What’s next

Kalshi has yet to settle the market on Wahlberg's attendance, leaving many gamblers waiting for official confirmation on whether the actor was present at the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing influence of unverified social media rumors and speculation on the sports betting industry, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability in the rapidly expanding world of proposition betting.