It has been four years since the Chicago Bears finished with a record above .500, though it appears fans partaking in Illinois NFL betting have faith the franchise will do just that this fall.
According to BetMGM Illinois, users in the state see Matt Eberflus’ squad with rose-colored glasses compared to the operator’s national averages.
The Bears are fresh off a 6-11 campaign in 2021 that saw them finish third in the NFC North, ahead of the cellar-dwelling Detroit Lions.
It was Chicago’s worst season since 2017, when the Bears went 5-11 and finished last in their division.
Data from BetMGM shows that Illinois sports betting has the Bears’ backs, at least compared to the operator’s national clientele.
The Bears kick off the 2022 NFL regular season at noon Central time Sept. 11 at home against the San Francisco 49ers in a game that FOX will televise nationally.
Here’s a rundown of how BetMGM Illinois bettors have wagered on the Bears for the 2022 NFL season, versus the operator’s national clientele.
Illinois Sports Betting vs. The Nation
Bears to win Super Bowl
- Illinois: 7th in tickets, 15th in handle
- National: 28th in tickets, 28th in handle
Bears to win NFC
- Illinois: 2nd in tickets, 4th in handle
- National: 14th in tickets, 14th in handle
Bears to win NFC North
- Illinois: 1st in tickets, 3rd in handle
- National: 4th in tickets, 4th in handle
Information provided BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois.
Illinois Sports Bettors Keeping the Faith
According to Drew O’Dell, sportsbook data specialist for BetMGM, Illinois has more than doubled national betting averages on Bears’ futures.
When it comes to the team’s odds to win its second Super Bowl in 2023, Chicago is seventh out of 32 teams in Illinois by tickets and 15th overall by handle. Nationally, Chicago ranks 28th in tickets and handle.
If we look at the 16 teams that make up the NFC, the song remains much the same, with BetMGM’s Illinois betting apps clientele giving the Bears the second-most tickets and fourth-highest handle, while nationally the team ranks 14th in both categories.
Finally, Illinois bettors have the Bears atop the NFC North odds board by tickets (out of four teams) with the third-highest handle overall, while nationally the team ranks last in each category.
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Super Bowl Odds
How BetMGM Sees the Bears Faring in 2022
The Bears face long odds entering the 2022 campaign on BetMGM, with the operator listing them at +10000 to win Super Bowl LVI, ranking 24th overall.
When it comes to NFC betting, the Bears are listed at +4000, which puts them in a tie with the Washington Commanders for 11th out of 16 teams.
The Bears are listed in fourth position to win the NFC North at +1100, behind the Packers (-155), Vikings (+250), and Lions (+850).
