National Anthem Prop Bets: Is Charlie Puth’s Over 120.5 Seconds the Smart Play?

Super Bowl anthem betting is one of the purest forms of prop betting in Super Bowl markets. There is no need to account for a game script, injuries, or penalties. Just a clock, a mic, and a singer (in this case, Charlie Puth, who is singing at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium). Bettors have a line of 120.5 seconds.

120.5 seconds is 2 minutes and 9.5 seconds; bets are graded based on the first word sung and the word ‘brave’ at the end. Whether or not this anthem occurs is not the question; the question is whether Puth’s anthem will cross the line.

This year’s line is one of the more interesting ones.

Why 120.5 Seconds Matters More Than It Looks

Oddsmakers intentionally have a number like 120.5. It’s a 0.5 split from 120, which is at the edge of a clean anthem. 1:55 to 2:00 is the time frame for a basic respectful anthem with no holds, fans, or major stretches. A 2:03 to 2:04 is the range for some slower pacing at the join, a hold at the end, or a droopier slower phrasing somewhere in the middle.

Offers knowing that the betting market sometimes draws in casuals is why there is a hook. If there were a line of 120, then there would be a higher chance of pushes. With 120.5, there are winners and losers for every possible outcome, which means the sportsbook always collects a fee.

In the past few Super Bowls, the over/under has been in the same zone each time. They stay within a range of average overs and unders with no outstanding extremes in either direction. With the way the overs and unders have been, the most important thing is the price rather than the prediction.

All of this is why there are sometimes very different price options for the same number.

Where the Odds Stand Right Now

According to the latest updates, major sportsbooks seem to agree on a total of 120.5 seconds, although the odds seem to differ. It seems some sportsbooks view this as a coin flip, while others seem to be taking a more severe stance on the under.

That spread tells you the market is still unsettled. One sportsbook may have the over at plus money, while another is taking the under at a heavy juice. It is unlikely that one sportsbook has more insider knowledge than the other on how long the anthem will be. They are just managing risk differently.

That is probably more important to the bettor than the other statements.

What Actually Determines Anthem Length

Many might think that the props that the singers have during the anthem are due to the singers’ personalities. That might be the case, but there are other factors about the anthems that also drive the length.

• One factor driving length is the arrangement. The music director often is the one to formulate the length of the different sections of the song. For example, if the director adds more time on “land of the free”, the total time of the anthem increases, even if the singer is right on tempo.
• Another factor is the number of performers during the anthem. Generally, the more performers there are, the longer the anthem is because there are more pauses and cues. For example, when Charlie Puth performs solo, the anthem will more likely be shorter compared to other performers who have multiple singers.
• The next driving factor is the venue where the anthem is performed. For example, with outdoor venues, the singer may not be able to freely hold long notes. These factors can end up cooling the singers’ control to not push long notes.
• The final factor is the broadcast. Certain shows set time limits, and because of that, the singers are made to be aware that they are not performing at a concert, which helps to keep the length under control.

While none of the above factors are sure to impact the length of the anthem, it is true that the factors come together to make it a more likely outcome.

Charlie Puth as an Anthem Performer

Consider the most important aspects when looking at timing, not fan opinions.

Puth is recognized for closed musical performances, not for the stretching out and sustained holding of notes. That doesn’t mean he is incapable of doing so; however, he usually doesn’t do so spontaneously.

Given the information, it is possible to predict a performance that is more than just pliable and dramatic. If the arrangement is such that it encourages such extension, then it is more likely to go over 120.5 than Puth deciding to do a freestyle at the end.

This is where the bettors fall into the trap of betting on the personality, not the structure.

Historical Context Without Chasing Trends

You’ll hear people say “the over hits more often” or “the under always cashes.” These claims are oversimplifications, even if they may contain some truth.

Recent data shows us something called clustering. Most Super Bowl anthems land within a narrow band around two minutes. Some go a little over, some a little under, and some are just fast enough or just slow enough that a half-second hook decides everything.

So, finding value in these bets and betting ends up being more about the short-term and not the long term trend pricing errors. If you’re betting just because history dictates you over or under, you’re likely betting into high juice.

When the Over Makes Sense

There are indeed specific cases where a time duration greater than 120.5 seconds would be a reasonable outcome. These cases, however, are not related to the guessing of sentiments.

• In situations where you have the opportunity to buy the over at a positive price while other bookmakers have the price closer to even or biased to the under, you are compensated for not knowing something. This is a value opportunity.
• If reliable reporting suggests a slower and traditional arrangement with more sustained notes, that would push the expected time longer.

Except for these situations, the over is simply a lean, not an edge.

When the Over Is a Trap

If the only number you can access is Over 120.5 at standard juice or worse, and there’s no additional information supporting a longer arrangement, you’re betting into a razor-thin margin.

This is especially true if sharper books are quietly pulling the number down or increasing under juice. Anthem props don’t move often, but when they do, it’s usually for a reason.

In that case, passing is the correct decision. There’s no rule that says you have to bet the anthem just because it’s there.

How Disciplined Bettors Approach This Prop

Sharp bettors don’t ask, “Will this go over?” They ask, “Is this number mispriced?”

The process is simple:

• Confirm the exact total and grading rules.
• Compare prices across legal sportsbooks.
• Only bet if the price difference is large enough to justify the risk.

That’s it. No vibes. No superstition. No stopwatch fantasies.

Final Takeaway Without Hype

Over 120.5 seconds for Charlie Puth’s national anthem can be the smart play, but only if the odds are right. The performance itself is likely to live near the number, not blow past it. That means the edge comes from shopping, not guessing.

If you find a book paying you to take uncertainty while others are charging for it, that’s when the over earns a spot on your slip. If not, there’s nothing wrong with walking away and focusing on better markets.

That mindset matters even more when you’re browsing Super Bowl LX betting sites, where novelty props are designed to be fun first and profitable second. The smart bet isn’t always the one you place. Sometimes it’s the one you skip.

Hilbert Mayer

Sports Writer

Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.

Published on: January 30, 2026
Last updated: January 30, 2026

NFL