The first Super Bowl to be held in the gambling capital of the world attracts a fair amount of stakes.

An astonishing 67.8 million American adults are expected to bet on the inaugural Super Bowl XV in Las Vegas, according to a report. Research from the American Gaming Association.

This number represents approximately 1 in 4 American adults nationwide, and the estimated value of bets is approximately $23.1 billion.

All this while gambling and sports betting remain illegal in Alabama.

Just this week, Mississippi passed a bill in the House that would legalize online sports betting in the state. Gambling inside casinos is legal, as is sports betting, but residents of the state currently cannot use online apps like DraftKings or FanDuel outside of casinos.

The Mississippi Senate has until April 2 to decide whether to adopt or reject the bill.

There has been a lot of buzz about Alabama recently. Citizens have not voted yea or nay on this issue in 25 years, and Congressman Andy Whitt said, “Our weak and confusing laws do not prevent Alabamians from participating or the interests of bad actors.'' ” he claims.

Sports betting is currently legal in a total of 38 states, with Washington, DC and Mississippi likely the next to become legal.

Governor Ivey also weighed in on the issue in December, saying she supports having the opportunity to vote on the issue again for the first time since 1999, but it has to be done right.

“I think it has to be comprehensive enough to explicitly address all forms of gambling. And most importantly, it has to be done right. I think it's best for the state and the people. I will support the bill only if,” Ivey said. yellow hammer news

More than two-thirds of American adults now live in the legal sports betting market, but Alabamians will still have to wait, at least for now.

And with this year's Super Bowl breaking records for wagering amounts, it will mark another year since Alabamians were not included in legal wagering statistics.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP