A record $132.5 million was wagered on Super Bowl 50 at Nevada’s sportsbooks, the state’s gaming commission reported Monday, breaking the previous record by a significant margin.
And books won a healthy share of that total, holding $13.3 million for a win percentage just north of 10 percent. The previous mark, $119.4 million, was set two years ago when Seattle walloped Denver 43-8, resulting in a record hold of $19 million for the books.
In the run-up to this year’s game it looked as if bookmakers might be headed for a similarly huge win (or loss) as bettors showed heavy support for the favored Panthers. But late action swung toward the Broncos, who won 24-10, behind a dominant defensive performance.
It wasn’t ideal for the books; support for Denver on the moneyline and Von Miller winning the MVP proved costly, but they won big on the under (43.5) and most reported a net positive from prop betting.
The sportsbooks have now won in 24 of 26 years since the Nevada Gaming Commission began tracking and reporting results, and this year’s $10 million hold ranks as the third most during that span.
TELEVISION NEWS MAGS TAKE ON DFS TUESDAY
Apparently the screeners have been sent out for the “The Fantasy Sports Gamble,” a Frontline/New York Times investigative documentary set to air Tuesday night on PBS.
Expect moralizing. A review from Variety says the producers have “done yeoman’s work in shedding light on the unsavory nature” of DFS sites.
Also tonight, 60 Minutes Sports, which airs on Showtime, will take a look at DFS and sounds like it may include new and possibly damaging information.
The NY Post reports that the Showtime feature includes info that two “insiders” from DFS sites are working with state investigators, and that more legal action could be forthcoming.
The New York Times has released a preview of its piece, which appears to be mostly a retread of its already-published articles, including its investigation into online sports betting.
60 Minutes Sports airs at 8 p.m. Eastern on Showtime; Frontline airs at 10 p.m. on PBS.
AROUND THE WEB
- The Las Vegas Review-Journal spent Super Bowl Sunday with Jay Rood, sportsbook director for MGM Properties.
- Derek Fisher out as Knicks coach. The Knicks have lost five straight and are 23-31 overall. They won 17 games last season and the over/under at the outset of 2015-16 was 31.5.
- Meanwhile: A mess in Sacramento. Sources say George Karl’s firing is imminent and Rajon Rondo says most of the team skipped out on Monday’s shootaround.
- A bill that would exempt DFS from state gaming laws and install basic consumer protections received passage in the Virginia state Senate on Monday.
- Bills RB LeSean McCoy reportedly involved in fight with off duty police officers
- Ugly details emerge in allegations against embattled Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel, including that he hit his girlfriend, rupturing her eardrum.
- Conan O’Brien had a pretty good Cam Newton impression.
- Drew Magary: Cam fucking blew it.
LOOK WHO’S TALKING
“The record amount wagered—legally and illegally—on Super Bowl 50 offers further proof that sports betting has become America’s new national pastime.” —American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman
“I don’t want to pre-judge anything. But information that has come forward has suggested that some of the representations they have made—appear to be false and misleading, designed to lure the small players in.” —New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on FanDuel and DraftKings
“I could probably crush you.” —51-year-old mom turned DFS pro.
TWEETS OF NOTE
Further proof that sports betting has become America’s new national pastime. https://t.co/WMrOnzxm97
— Geoff Freeman (@GeoffFreemanAGA) February 9, 2016
Nevada books pushed to be able to hang MVP odds this year; “Be careful what you ask for” said @Jay_Rood of MGM sportsbooks — Larry Hartstein (@LarryHartstein) February 8, 2016
ODDS & ENDS
- The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has updated its Super Bowl LI odds. The Seahawks, Patriots and Steelers are co-favorites at 8-to-1.
- No strangers to cease-and-desist letters, DraftKings has issued their own to a DFS content site.
ODDSMAKER’S TAKE
“We’re going to be paying that all night. People are howling out in the book,” he said. “We basically pushed on the game, and we came out a winner on props and we’ll hold some on the futures. Nothing disastrous.” —MGM Properties sports book director Jay Rood on the Broncos’ win in Super Bowl 50.