Super Bowl Squares Legality Unclear in New York State

Experts say it depends on how the payouts are structured.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Many New Yorkers participate in Super Bowl squares pools, but the legality of these gambling activities is murky. Experts say that if all the money collected is paid out to winners, it is considered "social gambling" and is legal. However, if the organizer keeps a portion of the money collected, then it is technically illegal under New York state law.

Why it matters

Super Bowl squares are a popular way for fans to engage with the big game and potentially win money. But the legal status of these activities in New York has been a source of confusion, with organizers unsure of how to structure the payouts to remain compliant with state gambling laws.

The details

According to the report, Super Bowl squares are a game where participants purchase squares on a grid, with one NFL team assigned to the rows and the other to the columns. If the final score matches the numbers on a participant's square, they win a payout. The legality hinges on how the payouts are handled - if all the money collected is distributed to winners, it is considered legal "social gambling." However, if the organizer keeps a portion of the money, it becomes an illegal gambling operation under New York law.

  • The Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, February 12, 2026.

The players

New York State

The state where the legality of Super Bowl squares pools is in question.

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What’s next

Fans and organizers in New York will need to closely examine the rules and payouts for any Super Bowl squares pools to ensure they are operating within the bounds of state gambling laws.

The takeaway

The legality of Super Bowl squares in New York remains a gray area, with the key factor being whether all the money collected is paid out to winners or if the organizer keeps a portion. This highlights the need for clearer regulations around social gambling activities in the state.