Featured Image Credit: DraftKings Sportsbook
Topics: Celebrity, Super Bowl, Sport, Film and TV
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Celebrity, Super Bowl, Sport, Film and TV
SNL stars Colin Jost and Michael Che came under fire for starring in DraftKings Sportsbook Super Bowl 60 ad, and Che has since taken to Instagram to issue a response.
The Super Bowl 2026 game kicked off last night (February 8) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
And during the first quarter of the New England Patriots' game against the Seattle Hawks, who should pop up on viewers' screens but comedians Jost and Che - best known for their work on NBC sketch series Saturday Night Live.
The pair appeared in the 30-second video to promote the platform's live betting features.
Advert
Che said: "Tonight, live bet the game on DraftKings to score your share of $5 million in prizes. There’s so many options to bet on, like..."
Another voice then added: "Seattle or New England, next TD."
Some viewers have taken to social media in 'disappointment' over the pair appearing in an advert not just condoning but promoting sports gambling.
One X user wrote: "I like Michael Che and Colin Jost so much that I don’t like to see them doing an ad for sports gambling, which, I think, has not been good for sports, or a lot of people. Okay, back to the game."
"Sports betting corrupts sports, all the way back to the 1919 Black Sox scandal. College sports will eventually also be impacted, if not already. If your loyalty is money over team, you don't belong anywhere in the sports world," another added.
And a third wrote: "I am disappointed in every celebrity who chooses to promote gambling. I know if must be hard to say no fo big money, but gambling is a serious problem with many folks and should not be encouraged."
While not directly referencing the backlash, Che has since taken to his Instagram stories following the criticism.
After sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the commercial, Che posted a blank image with the caption: "Look. I got a mortage, ok."
Regardless of Che's response, the conversation has continued to spill over on Reddit, with users really not holding back.
Taking to thread r/LiveFromNewYork, one user wrote: "Che and Jost doing a sportsbetting commercial during the superbowl GTFO. Sh*t is disgusting and disturbing no matter how much the sportsbooks pay."
"Yes! It’s so predatory and my nephew got himself in the hole at like 19 years old. Obscene amount of sports betting ads, for sure," another added.
DraftKings Sportsbook's Instagram bio emphasizes: "18+ DC/KY/NH/WY. 21+ other eligible U.S. states. 19+ONT. Gambling problem? 1-800-GAMBLER or visit link. Email for support."
UNILAD has contacted Michael Che and Colin Jost's representatives for further comment.
Please gamble responsibly. For help, support and advice about problem gambling, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER, 24/7.