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♪ >> This is NJ business beat with Raven Santana.

Raven: Hello.

Thank you for joining me.

It is Super Bowl weekend and that means big business for Las Vegas where the chief's and 49ers will square off.

According to the Vegas convention and visitors Authority, the game will create a $500 million impact for the region.

That is on port with the impact on New Jersey when it hosted the Super Bowl in 2014, about $500 million to $600 million, but even about the game is in Vegas, New Jersey stands to make big bucks off the big game especially through sports betting.

According to the American gaming Association, a record 68 again adults are expected to bet on the game, up from about 50 million last year, and those letters will spend $23 billion in total wages up from $60 million last year.

We wanted to get a sense from the impact Super Bowl betting will have a New Jersey so we set out with our guest to find out.

Well, the big game is the biggest sports event for bettors with fans placing apps on everything from the point spread to the color of the Gatorade shower at the end of the game.

Any idea of how many people are expected to place bets on this year's big game?

Nick: That is anyone's guess at this point in time but when you consider in 2023 both Massachusetts and Kentucky introduced online sports betting , you would have to say Super Bowl in Las Vegas will be the biggest betting event ever.

[INDISCERNIBLE] Back in 2018 in New Jersey, but since then, a flurry of states have introduced what is fast becoming America's favorite pastime.

Raven: You know, who is placing these belts?

Are these bettors diehard football fans?

Nick: I think that is a great question.

With the Super Bowl and events of that nature that have kind of global interest in them, you see people who are very much casual bettors.

You see the professional bettors betting on obvious of the big game, but also moms, dads, friends, aunties, people who don't typically gamble on boards all of a sudden will sign up to a sports betting account and throw some money down on a first touchdown score or proper bet or similar, that there is know doubt that Super Bowl 50 in Las Vegas and how fitting the highest betting event of all times probably to date in the U.S. is going to be held in Las Vegas.

Raven: I love how you threw in the aunties.

Tell us a little bit about the range of bets placed online.

Nick: There is no limit.

The sports books are opening up.

Nobody -- nobody bets everywhere.

I think outside the U.S. you can bet on whether Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will become engaged after the game.

I hope the Chiefs win to see that bet.

First touchdown come anytime touchdown, score, of course, typical bets, over, under, the money line.

There is no end to what markets will offer and for an event like the Super Bowl, it really is a sports bettors market.

There are so many options for you to get some cash down and enjoy the game and take your interest in the big game to another level, may be that you would not otherwise have if you're not a cheese or 49ers supporter.

Raven: What type of money are Nick: We talking about?

Nick:Well last year conservatively they say $16 billion on the game, whether that is an accurate number, I am not sure but we do know it will be higher than that.

It will break records this year, and at least 50 million to 60 made people will bet on the Super Bowl.

When you consider that Massachusetts came online in March with a population of 7 million people in Kentucky of course in September with 4.5 one million people, there is absolutely no doubt that Super Bowl 58 in Vegas will break all the records.

Raven: All right, so right now are bettors favoring the 49ers or the Chiefs?

Nick: The 49ers are two point favorites at the moment but early in the week and later in the week does games to get them to the Super Bowl, we saw the Kansas City Chiefs where I think 3.5 point underdogs at one point.

Now they are two point underdogs.

49ers R.G.

point favorites and the point totals is 47.5 points total for the game which was obliterated last year when the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35, so everyone loves a Heights going Super Bowl and hopefully we get another one this year and yeah, our money is on the 49ers.

We think they is a 58% chance of winning the game, and of course when you consider the points total, sorry, the point spread is only two points, the sports books are expecting a really close contest.

Raven: Is that expected to change as we get closer to the big game?

This interview will air the Saturday before it, so.

Nick: Normally I would say, yes, but the conditions in Las Vegas probably don't come into play so often you will see the favorites with a point or two based on weather conditions or whatnot and both teams have had two weeks to repair for this game.

I think the line at the moment is pretty efficient.

We might see it go down.

I don't think not.

I think 49ers minus two point favorites is probably where it's going to be.

I can't see that she's coming into favorite and let someone in Vegas know something that we do not and they are brought into favoritism based on sheer weight of money for that particular theme.

Raven: Let's talk about prop doubts.

I think these are so interesting.

What are some popular ones that we can see?

Prop bets.

Prop bets.

Nick:Nick: The first touchdown, the first touchdown, that is what gets the Super Bowl party started when somebody has a ticket on an obscure player to score the first touchdown peered this week we are hoping it is Travis Kelce.

We know that the cameras will be on Taylor's weapon of course who is flying back from Japan for the game where she has a concert the night before but the first touchdown that's on the way to go.

There's no doubt about that.

Anytime someone scores a touchdown hopefully it's a high-scoring game and we see a bunch of guys reach the end zone.

My favorite is that first touchdown.

First touchdown score event.

Without a doubt.

Raven: There is going to be some big winners and some big losers.

Thank you for joining me on NJ business week.

Nick: No problem.

Anytime.

Raven: Another way New Jersey businesses can cash in on the Super Bowl is through watch parties.

Think of it as a kind of Black Friday for restaurants and bars.

Many expect to be packed to the brim with fans drinking beer and eating wings.

One of the top places to watch the game in New Jersey this year is out Miller's ale House a sports bar and grill franchise with seven locations across the state.

I visited it and spoke to Antonio, the general manager about how his is Ms. is preparing for the big game.

All right, Antonio, so in a few hours this place is going to book entirely different.

Tell me about how many people your expected Super Bowl Antonio: Over 300 people.

Raven: Normally have any people do you have here?

Antonio: On a normal Sunday for any of the games 300 plus people.

Raven: OK so tell me what that looks like.

People want to go out peered not everyone will host a party at their house peered they are looking to come to places like Miller's alehouse, so tell me a little bit.

Do you need a table reserved?

Do people have to pay for tables?

Is it just walk-ins?

Antonio: It is just walk in peered we recommend getting here early because we fill up quick.

Every seat in the house is the Bessie.

Have over 60 TDs, so you can see everything from any area.

Raven: And when is the best time to grab a table?

When is the earliest people can come in?

Antonio: We have people lined up at the door when we open on Sundays.

I 11:30, people are coming and ready to get their favorites eat and drink their favorite beer.

Raven: And they will stay here all day?

Antonio: For the most part, yes, even though their team loses.

[LAUGHTER] Raven: Tell me a little bit.

When we think about the big game , how are you preparing?

Did you have to bring in more staff?

Did you have to make sure you have an extra amount of food in wings?

Antonio: Oh, absolutely.

We bring in the double amount of wings we normally serve.

Team members are here nice and early getting excited for the game.

Raven: How much staff do you have on call?

Antonio: On-call for a day like that come about 40 to 50.

Raven: Wow.

When we think about people here, what are some popular items people are ordering?

Antonio: Our most popular item we are known for is our world famous singers.

Raven: OK. Antonio: Zingers go great with everything.

Raven: What kind of entrées that they ordering?

Are they pacing themselves?

Do see a lot of appetizers, event food?

Antonio: It is a little bit of everything, wings are a great start to the day, and you can't go wrong with our burgers.

Raven: OK. Do you expect more people to arrive for the Super Bowl than any other Super Bowl?

Antonio: No, we have a very wide variety offend base so any team that is in a we have fans from all over who come here to enjoy the game.

Raven: All right.

We know the bar will be a hotspot.

Is that also a hot area to get a seat?

Is that the favorite place to sit at during the game?

Antonio: Absolutely.

If you want the bar seat, you have to get here extra early.

Raven: People would rather sit at the bar than the table?

Antonio: For the most part some do.

Raven: OK. OK. Tell me what that bar every looks like.

Is it going to be extra bartenders?

What is the favorite drink?

Is it just beer?

Antonio: Absolutely we will have extra bartenders and make sure we accommodate everyone in a timely manner and the bar gets filled.

The seats are taken there are people standing behind them and everybody is cheering and having a great time.

Raven: On a day like that, how much money are we talking about?

When you think about just one, you know, one day for that big game?

Antonio: Yeah, we do very well that day.

You know, the business is constant throughout the whole day.

Everybody is enjoying the game, so.

Raven: And when we think about, I think about even the staff working here that must be a great tip day for them?

Antonio: Absolutely.

They make good money and get to have a great time.

My team members interact with the guests, and even if it is not your favorite team, everyone is cheering for somebody.

Is Raven: Antonio: There a Antonio: favorite team?

Have you heard?

Here we have a very big 49 is based.

OK. OK.

I Raven: I know you have some set ups.

Weatherby 49ers stuff?

Antonio: We will have stuffer both teams and have giveaways and stuff.

It is a really good time.

Raven: We know Taylor Swift is a big part of this game.

[LAUGHTER] whether you are a fan or not, people are rooting for her.

Are you going to have any special items on the menu?

Are you going to have some swift decor as well?

Antonio: I'm sure there will be some.

I have multiple team members wearing Tavis with jerseys.

Raven: OK. Antonio: I did not know she plays for the team.

She has her own Jersey appellee.

Raven: OK. Will there be any promotions for that day?

Antonio: Absolutely we will be doing a wing special for 12 wings and a picture beer or 24 wings and a pitcher of beer, and even if you don't want, if you can't make it here and you're having a party at home we have three different bundles that you can get to go.

We have a first down, pregame, and of the touchdown.

Raven: What are those packages look like for the people who are watching?

Antonio: They include all the fans favorite things from the zingers in the wings, mozzarella sticks, pretzels.

We load it up nice for you.

Raven: OK and is that something that needs to be when does that have to be reserved?

Antonio: You can go right to our website Miller's ale House.com and we will have it ready for you.

Raven: OK. Any other promotions at the bar or throughout the night?

Antonio: Besides those, we believe in all day every day happy hour.

[LAUGHTER] we do.

That includes on Sundays.

Raven: OK.

So Antonio: We have lots of specials.

$14 pictures of margaritas and blue ice teas.

Raven: Wow.

OK.

There is something for everybody if you don't prepare.

Antonio: Absolutely.

Five dollar margaritas.

Raven: Wow.

Tell me about the crowd.

I know there are diehard football fans and then there are football fans who are bringing may be spouses or friends who are not football fans.

Is this also can we expect kids here?

Antonio: Absolutely.

Raven: Oh OK. Antonio: We cater to everybody.

Raven: What about halftime.

Tell me about the vibe.

I know you have done this for many years, but what is the crowd like?

I mean, is it a really fun night for people, is it a stressful night?

Antonio: That, everyone has a great time including my team numbers and myself.

Halftime is always that reset.

Everyone is glued to the halftime show getting some more food out, but it is definitely a great environment.

Raven: OK. What are some tips you would give people who are coming to make sure they get their best seat or have the best experience here?

Antonio: I would definitely suggest arriving here early.

Raven: OK. And maybe have an idea what they want to order?

Or should they pack their patients?

[LAUGHTER] Antonio: Nope.

We have the full menu is on for that day and they can have any of their fan favorites.

Raven: So one of your most popular items is your world famous buttermilk breaded zingers.

Right?

Antonio: That is correct.

Raven: OK. OK. Oh, here they are paired they look delicious.

Antonio: They are paired they are always fresh, hand cut and handrolled.

I will have to try them.

I will have to try them.

Tell me about how they are made or how many ordered that night.

Raven: So for the big game we will go through 1400 pounds of these.

Wow.

And I heard your sauce is also world-famous.

Antonio: It is.

It is a hot garlic sauce we make in house.

Raven: OK big question have you ever ran out?

Antonio: Absolutely not.

Raven: OK, so in order to tried these world-famous zingers, you have to come here.

I think viewers need to know that, you have to come here.

Antonio: This is true.

Get here and enjoy some world-famous zingers in the big game.

Raven:Raven: Thank you so much, Antonio, for joining me.

Antonio: It was my pleasure.

Raven: What you can't talk the Super Bowl without talking about the ads.

That is the highlight of the game for some of us.

This year a 30-second spot turned the big game will set you back about $7 million according to ad age, but companies know that there will be a lot of eyeballs on their product, because an estimated 150 million viewers watched the game last year.

I sat down with EJ Scholz, news editor at ad age to learn about the true impact of such a big investment.

EJ, we know the big game is not just about football.

Some people just tune in for the halftime show and of course the commercials.

We have already seen bits of those already online.

How much money are we talking about for a 30-second spot during this year's game?

EJ: 30-second ads this you're going for about $7 million.

Raven: Oh wow.

EJ: Which is about the priciest ad placement these days.

EJ: Incredible.

Raven: It's incredible to think that is how much money is spent but listen, money was spent because you're getting your product out there, right?

EJ: Not only that.

It is the only place to reach a mass audience anymore.

The game last year drew something like 115 million people, and I would not be surprised if that even goes higher this year.

We can talk about reasons why, but one that them might be Taylor Swift of course.

[LAUGHTER] EJ: Well, OK, let's rewind back.

Raven: What can viewers expect?

Will it be family-friendly?

Let's talk about some anticipated highlights and promotions.

EJ: The theme for the past several years with Super Bowl ads is almost every brand has gone lighthearted and leaning into comedy and celebrities galore, and that will be the case that, probably more than ever we have seen quite a few ads release early and they are hilarious and you have Kate McKinnon for Hellmann's mayonnaise and Tina Fey in the list goes on and on.

Raven: Are we going to see new faces or new brands?

EJ: One of the newer celebrities is ice spice who is storing for PepsiCo soda that is new.

And you will see a few other people but may not be highly known like some of the others but are certainly more popular recently and are more trendy as celebs.

Raven: How long have these agencies been preparing for this, I mean, you see the ad, it is funny, you love it, but there was a lot of work behind that.

EJ: It certainly varies but you are if a marketing executive you need to get this in your budget 12 months ago so you can get signoff from your CEO and board and once you have the money approved it's about going out and getting ideas from ad agencies, selecting the ideas you want, shooting the ads.

A lot of the production however might take place in a month or two leading up to the game, and you know we will see a lot of finishing touch is right until the end.

Raven: Another question I have is politics.

Unfortunately sometimes politics finds you know, it's way into sports, sometimes commercials.

Could we see any political ads?

EJ: The trend we have seen in the last couple of years is brands trying to stay away from this.

Even something that might have seen not controversial as recently as two or three years ago is now just thrown into the political conversation whether brands want to or not, so they are trying to distance themselves as much as they can and that is the reason why you see these lighthearted comedic ads knowing that the U.S. is divided 50-50 across political lines and brands most of them need to market to 100% of Americans and they don't want to get anywhere near that.

Raven: Let's talk about the role of social media.

Could the big game ads generate more attention through social media making them more impactful than the traditional TV spots?

EJ: What a lot of Super Bowl advertisers do who spend the $7 million, they tried to extend their awareness across social media.

One quick example is BMW has Christopher Walken in its ad and in the spot a place with the idea of people trying to imitate Christopher Walken's speaking style and running a TikTok campaign having people doing their own Christopher Walken impressions.

You also have brands that are not spinning the $7 million that are trying to ride on the coattails of the Super Bowl conversation, but that has become a lot harder these days because pretty much every brand tries that and it is a lot of clutter out there.

Raven: Is there a lasting effect from these commercials?

EJ: That is a great question.

That is the $7 million questions you might say because it is a lot of money and if you are a chief marketing officer you have to prove to your boss it was worth the investment.

It really depends.

We will be watching sales results in the next six months to see if these ads did anything.

A lot of brands will say it's more about immediate sales but trying to get higher awareness that might take a little bit longer.

We will see how they follow up with the Super Bowl ads.

For the smaller brands, this is there one shot and they blow their entire budget on the Super Bowl ad so it is really a high-stakes game.

Raven: You kind of touched on this but do they boost sales?

EJ: I think it is case-by-case.

Definitely we have seen some examples.

One of the trends we have seen is you have seen may be a brand that does not advertise all that on can get a real big awareness boost because it is new to the scene in your getting your name out there and you have 100 million people paying attention.

Brother brands like Doritos that have been doing this for years, they might use it to introduce a new variety, get news around new news, that the newer innovations, and that is what Doritos is doing this year, plugging a newer variety they are offering.

Raven: We can't talk about the big without mentioning Taylor Swift.

Viewers will probably see her throughout the game, so is it expected to boost viewership and will there be a swift effect?

E.J.

: The safe bet is yes given that pretty much everything she touches turns to gold in the last year, and you know, we have written about this in ad age, but the NFL when she first started showing up at Chiefs games enjoyed an immediate ratings boost from a segment of the audience that was not a traditional NFL viewer historically so you add that player that viewership on top of an already huge number and I think it will keep going up.

Raven: All right, so no politics, a lot of laughs come and a lot of new faces and celebrities.

EJ Scholz, thank you so much.

E.J.

: Thanks for having me.

Raven: Before we leave you, here is a look at the top business headlines on the week.

New Jersey may not be hosting the Super Bowl, but it was selected to host arguably an even bigger game, the 2026 World Cup final.

Avner Murphy and Meadowlands representatives celebrated the announcement earlier this week.

They'd beat out Dallas and Los Angeles to host the crowning match on July 19, 2026.

The Murphy administration spent two years courting FIFA in convincing the group that New Jersey was the best host.

New Jersey was also awarded five opening-round matches and two knockout stage matches.

The president and CEO of the Meadowlands chamber says the world cup will have a 2 billion-dollar impact for our region and he says that the real work has just begun.

>> Our task here for New Jersey and New York is to make sure people and visitors from all over the globe understand all there is to do here, so you have to be really good at our marketing, we have to be really good at social media.

We have to make sure people know where they can spend the discretion dollars because there will be people working on security, transportation, finalizing all the accommodations for all the teams, lots of logistical work.

Raven: New Jersey strengthens its ties with one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Governor Murphy signed an executive order this week creating a New Jersey-India commission that will encourage trade, economic development and educational exchanges between India and the garden state.

That administration says India is New Jersey's second largest foreign direct investor in the creation of the commission comes after multiple economic trips to India, the first by Governor Murphy and 2019.

Since that first trip the governor says partnerships have created 1200 jobs in our state and in the past two decades Indian companies have invested $2 billion into New Jersey.

The commission will be made up of 35 to 45 members appointed by the governor.

>> It is not only home to a thriving economy that specializes in many of the same categories as India, but home away from home for roughly 400,000 Indian-Americans, including thousands of immigrants who are keeping their proud family traditions alive right here in New Jersey within the New Jersey-India commission.

We will seize a new century of operatives to grow together, thrive together, and pioneer new possibilities together.

Raven: The states Board of Public utilities rate this week approved a price increase for residential electric utility customers.

Rate hike ranges from 3% to 8%, or just under five dollars a month on the low end and up to eight dollars a month.

The price increases are based on rates New Jersey's four electrical utilities will now pay, and in turn pass on to you.

The increases being blamed on higher energy costs.

The state says prices were about 26% cheaper just three years ago.

The rate increase comes after a similar bump last year was the BPU raise prices between 3% to just under 7%.

That does it for us this week.

Remember to subscribe to our NJ Spotlight news YouTube channel to get alerted when we post new episodes and clips.

I am Raven Santana.

Next week, we celebrate Black history month and focus on the health of black-owned businesses in New Jersey.

Thanks for watching and we will see you next weekend.

♪ >> Funding for NJ business beat with Raven Santana provided by NJMEP, a partner to New Jersey's manufacturing energy focused on productivity, performance and strategic development.

More on NJMEP.org.

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