How to Think About the Super Bowl Gatorade Color Betting Like a Smart Bettor - Not Just a Lucky Guess.
- Greg Kajewski
- 39 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Betting on the Super Bowl Gatorade color is fun, but making smarter picks requires more than a random guess. Here's the gist:
Orange has been the most common color since 2001, appearing 5 times (20.8%).
Blue has surged recently, showing up 4 times since 2015 (40% of recent games).
Red remains a mystery - 0 appearances in the 21st century.
Team colors don’t predict Gatorade choices. For example, the Seahawks used orange in their only Super Bowl win, despite their blue branding.
Odds vary by sportsbook. For example, Blue may pay +450 at one site but only +200 at another.
Some states don’t allow this bet, so check your local rules.
Smart strategies include analyzing trends, watching for late odds shifts, and hedging bets across multiple colors. But remember, this is a novelty bet - keep it light and bet responsibly.
SUPER BOWL GATORADE COLOR BEST BETS! 🥤 SB LX off-the-field props 🤑 | SportsCenter
How the Gatorade Color Bet Works
Placing a Gatorade color bet is all about predicting the color of the liquid dumped on the winning coach during the post-game celebration. Sportsbooks typically offer options like Orange, Blue, Yellow/Green, Purple, Red/Pink, and Water/Clear. Some even include a "No Gatorade Bath" choice for those betting on a dry celebration.
This bet has nothing to do with game stats. Instead, it hinges entirely on the first color shown during the televised celebration. Because this is more of a novelty wager and not tied to official game outcomes, certain state-regulated sportsbooks, such as those in Nevada, don't allow it. However, states like New Jersey, Illinois, and Louisiana have given it the green light.
The outcome depends on this quirky tradition, so bettors often analyze things like team rituals, the coach's history, and sideline habits instead of player stats. If no Gatorade shower happens, sportsbooks have their own rules. For instance, FanDuel voids bets in such cases. This unique setup shapes how oddsmakers determine the betting lines.
How Oddsmakers Set the Lines
Oddsmakers use a mix of data and trends to price Gatorade color bets, factoring in historical appearances, recent tendencies, media buzz, and public betting patterns. For example, Orange has appeared 5 times (20.8%) since 2001, while Blue has shown up 4 times (40%) since 2015. They also track team-specific habits - like whether a team stuck to a particular color during their Conference Championship win - since teams often stick with the same color for the Super Bowl.
Looking ahead to Super Bowl LX in 2026, the early odds reflect these patterns. Orange is the favorite, with odds around +225 to +250, while Blue and Yellow/Green follow closely at +260 to +300. Purple, riding on back-to-back Chiefs wins in 2023 and 2024, is priced between +500 and +750. Meanwhile, Red/Pink (+1,000 to +1,800) and Water/Clear (+900 to +1,100) are longshots due to their rarity. The "No Bath" option, when offered, usually ranges from +2,500 to +5,000, as it’s only happened 4 times in the last 24 Super Bowls.
What the Historical Data Shows
The stats paint an interesting picture. Orange has been the standout in modern times, appearing 5 times since 2001 and accounting for 20.8% of all Gatorade showers over the past 24 years. Meanwhile, Clear holds the all-time record with 8 appearances, though it hasn’t made an appearance since Super Bowl 42 in 2008. That’s the longest dry spell for any color on record.
"Clear holds the record for most consecutive years being dumped on a winning coach, happening in four straight years on two different occasions." - Matt McEwan, Editor-in-Chief, Sports Betting Dime
Blue, Purple, and Yellow/Green are tied with 4 appearances each. Interestingly, the "None" scenario - when no Gatorade bath happens - has occurred 4 times since 2001, making up 16% of games. Then there’s Red, which stands out as an oddity: despite being one of Gatorade’s most popular flavors, it hasn’t shown up in a Super Bowl shower in the 21st century. These stats give us a solid foundation for analyzing shifts in recent years.
What Past Super Bowls Tell Us
Historical data is just part of the story. While Orange dominated the 2010s, the last few years have seen a noticeable rise in Blue and Purple. The Kansas City Chiefs shook things up by using Purple in back-to-back victories (Super Bowls 57 and 58), marking only the second time a defending champion has repeated the same color.
The trend over the past five years (2021–2025) is striking: Blue, Blue, Purple, Purple, and then Yellow. This shift matters because teams often stick with what worked. If a team used a specific color during their last win, they’re likely to choose it again. Savvy bettors pay attention to these patterns, balancing the long-term averages with recent trends. That’s why the last 5–7 years can carry more weight than the broader 20-year history when it comes to predicting team habits and sideline preferences. These evolving patterns play a key role in shaping betting strategies, as discussed further below.
Seahawks vs. Patriots: Team Color Analysis
The Seahawks and Patriots both prominently feature blue in their team colors, which might make blue seem like a natural choice for their Gatorade showers. However, the historical data paints a more nuanced picture.
The Patriots, for instance, have secured six Super Bowl victories since 2001. Out of those wins, they used blue Gatorade twice (Super Bowls 49 and 53), clear Gatorade once (Super Bowl 39), and skipped the Gatorade bath entirely three times (Super Bowls 36, 38, and 51). Interestingly, the Patriots have foregone the Gatorade bath in 50% of their wins - a higher rate than any other team. On the other hand, the Seahawks’ lone Super Bowl win during this period (Super Bowl 48) involved an orange Gatorade bath, which doesn’t align with their blue branding.
When these two teams clashed in Super Bowl 49, the Patriots went with blue Gatorade. However, a single instance like this doesn’t establish a reliable pattern. The broader takeaway? Team colors alone are not dependable indicators for predicting Gatorade color choices. Historical trends show that the decision is far more unpredictable than it might seem at first glance.
Does Team Color Predict Gatorade Color?
In short, no - team colors don’t reliably predict Gatorade outcomes. While it’s tempting to assume teams might choose Gatorade colors to match their jerseys or avoid noticeable stains, historical data doesn’t back up this theory. For example, red Gatorade, despite being a primary color for many teams, including the Patriots, hasn’t been used in any Super Bowl Gatorade shower in the 21st century.
"While team colors have never been an indicator of which Gatorade reveals itself as the confetti rains down, each team has different preferences that can lead you to a different conclusion."Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY
The Patriots’ recent Gatorade baths have both featured blue, which might hint at a team preference. However, their history of skipping the tradition altogether - making the "No Gatorade Bath" option a longshot at +5,000 odds - shows how unpredictable this prop bet can be. For the Seahawks, their single orange Gatorade bath doesn’t offer much of a pattern to analyze either. Ultimately, the team’s history and tendencies matter more than jersey colors, though the small sample sizes keep this prop bet highly uncertain.
4 Betting Strategies for Gatorade Color Props
When it comes to betting on Gatorade color props, relying on team colors won't get you far. Instead, focus on data-driven strategies, market trends, and smart risk management. Here are four approaches to help reduce the guesswork.
Strategy #1: Find Value in the Odds
The key to smart betting is identifying undervalued colors - those where the potential payout is higher than historical data suggests. Start by converting the odds into implied probabilities. For instance, odds of +250 imply a 28.6% chance, while Orange has a historical frequency of just 20.8% since 2001. If the odds indicate a lower likelihood than the historical data, that’s where you might find value.
Line shopping is essential for this type of bet. As of February 3, 2026, Blue is listed at +450 on bet365 but only +200 on DraftKings. That’s a huge difference - a $100 bet would return $450 at one sportsbook versus just $200 at another. Similarly, Purple is +800 at DraftKings but only +325 at bet365. These discrepancies create opportunities to maximize your returns.
Strategy #2: Don't Bet Based on Team Colors
Basing your bet on team colors is a common mistake. For example, Red Gatorade has a 0% success rate in Super Bowls since 2001, even though red is a dominant color for teams like the Chiefs, 49ers, and Buccaneers. The actual choice is influenced by factors like player preferences, superstitions, or practical decisions - not team branding.
"While team colors have never been an indicator of which Gatorade reveals itself as the confetti rains down, each team has different preferences." - Nick Brinkerhoff, USA Today
Strategy #3: Watch for Late Line Movement
Odds can shift dramatically in the final 24 to 48 hours before the game, often due to insider information or sharp money. Keeping an eye on these changes can provide valuable insights.
Pay attention to the handle-to-bets ratio. For example, as of February 3, 2026, DraftKings reported that Yellow/Lime or Green led with 24% of the betting handle but only 22% of total bets. This suggests larger, more informed wagers are backing that color. If you notice odds dropping quickly across multiple sportsbooks without any major announcements, it could signal a "steam move" worth following.
"The Gatorade color odds can change significantly in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. This market is heavily influenced by news, rumors, and potential information leaks." - Matt Burke, Sportsbook Review
If you spot late movement, consider diversifying your bets to minimize risk, which leads to the next strategy.
Strategy #4: Hedge with Multiple Colors
Because this prop bet is unpredictable by nature, spreading your bets across several colors can help manage risk. For instance, rather than betting everything on one color, you could place smaller wagers on Orange (+250), Blue (+200 at DraftKings), and Yellow/Green (+260). This covers the most frequent historical outcomes while still giving you a shot at a profit. By hedging your bets, you reduce variance and keep the experience fun without risking too much on a single outcome.
Keep It Fun and Bet Responsibly
When it comes to betting on Gatorade colors, the most important thing to remember is to keep it lighthearted and responsible. This type of wager is purely a guessing game with no way to gain an advantage. As Nick Brinkerhoff from USA TODAY puts it:
"Good luck with correctly predicting the Gatorade color unless you have some inside information. There is no objective process or edge to find with this prop. Since it's simply a guessing game, we might as well have fun with it."
Because the outcome is entirely random, it’s best to approach this bet as a fun, small-stakes activity. Avoid putting down large sums of money. Jon Hoefling from USA TODAY emphasizes this point:
"This is not a bet to put huge amounts of money on. This is a bet to throw $5 on just to have something to cheer for after the game if your favorite team is not participating."
Always gamble responsibly, using only money you can afford to lose. This principle is especially important for novelty bets like this, where there’s no skill or strategy involved. For instance, despite its popularity, red Gatorade has not been the winning color since 2001 - a 0% success rate over two decades.
If gambling starts to feel overwhelming or losses pile up, it’s crucial to stop immediately and seek help. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides confidential, 24/7 support at 1-800-GAMBLER. Additional state-specific hotlines include 1-800-NEXT-STEP in Arizona, 1-800-BETS-OFF in Iowa, and 1-800-327-5050 in Massachusetts.
Lastly, check the legal status of novelty prop betting in your state before placing a wager. Not all jurisdictions allow these types of bets. States where novelty prop betting is permitted include Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Ontario, Canada.
Conclusion: Use Data, Not Just Luck
Betting on the Super Bowl Gatorade color isn't just a shot in the dark. Consider this: Orange has been poured 5 times since 2001, making up 20% of the outcomes, while Blue has surged in popularity, showing up 4 times since 2015 - 40% of recent games. These numbers give you a better foundation than simply picking based on personal preference or team colors.
For a sharper edge, combine historical trends with moneyline odds. For example, if Orange is listed at +225 and Blue at +200, Blue might offer slightly better value. Stay cautious about falling for the team color myth - Red has yet to make an appearance in recent Super Bowls. Also, keep an eye on the odds in the last 24 hours, as they can shift dramatically with new information. Balancing past trends with updated odds can help you make a more calculated choice.
That said, keep your wager small. This is a fun bet, not a financial strategy. While data can help you make a more informed decision, the Gatorade color bet is still a novelty at its core.
Want to test your pick? Join the BettorEdge community to share your prediction, see what others are betting on, and even track your performance. Whether you're sticking with Orange's long-standing history or riding Blue's recent streak, the social feed lets you connect with other bettors, compare strategies, and make this quirky wager an enjoyable part of your Super Bowl festivities.
FAQs
Why do Gatorade color odds vary between sportsbooks?
Gatorade color odds can vary between sportsbooks because each bookmaker evaluates probabilities, manages betting activity, and sets prices differently. For instance, one sportsbook might list yellow/green/lime as the favorite at -190, while another might offer it at +100. These discrepancies highlight differences in market interpretation and risk strategies.
Several factors shape these odds, including historical patterns, media buzz, and recent betting trends. As game day approaches, odds often shift as sportsbooks react to betting behavior and potential insider insights. For bettors looking to maximize their edge, comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks is a smart way to uncover the best opportunities.
Why isn’t Red Gatorade a common choice for Super Bowl celebrations?
Red Gatorade isn’t often the go-to choice for Super Bowl celebrations. Over the years, colors like orange, purple, clear, and yellow have been more commonly spotted. Whether it’s due to team traditions or simple preference, red tends to take a backseat.
That’s not to say red can’t make an appearance, but history shows it’s far less likely than fan-favorites like blue or orange.
What should I consider before betting on the Super Bowl Gatorade color?
When betting on the Super Bowl Gatorade color, it’s smart to look at historical trends and recent patterns to guide your pick. Colors like orange, purple, and blue have had their moments over the years. For instance, orange has been a long-time favorite, but purple has seen a surge in popularity in more recent Super Bowls.
Don’t get too caught up in team colors - Gatorade showers rarely match jersey schemes. Instead, focus on undervalued options where the odds don’t quite reflect how often a color has been chosen in the past. Also, keep an eye on last-minute odds shifts. These changes can sometimes hint at insider knowledge or sharp bettors influencing the market as game day approaches.
Most importantly, remember this is just a fun, novelty bet. Keep your wager small, soak in the excitement, and enjoy the game!
