Las Vegas Sports Book Offers Refund To Disgruntled NFL Bettors
Las Vegas sports books are in operation for one thing, to make money for the casinos in which they reside. That is why despite grueling finishes to games in all major sports, the sports books have never given money back to losing gamblers – until now.
The D Las Vegas has decided after Monday nights debacle in Seattle, that they would be refunding bettors who made straight or money-line wagers on the Green Bay, Seattle game. Parlay, teaser, and other combination bets will remain losses at the sports book.
The majority of the sports books were thrilled late Monday when the replacement referees botched a call in the end zone on the final play of the game. The refs concluded that Seahawks receiver Golden Tate had simultaneous possession with a Packer on the final Hail Mary pass.
The replay showed that Tate’s hand came off the football, and that the Packer had control of the ball as the two went to the ground. The replay also showed Tate blatantly pushing a Packers defensive back, a violation that should have resulted in a penalty.
Instead of calling the penalty, or the interception, the referees called the play a touchdown, changing the final score of the game from 12-7 Green Bay, to 14-12 Seattle. The betting line had Green Bay as 3.5 point favorites.
According to sports book executives, the majority of the betting public goes with the favorite on Monday nights. It has been estimated that over $150 million in bets were overturned when the incorrect ruling was made on the field.
Danny Sheridan, a well-respected odds maker, estimated that worldwide, with online sports books included, the play could have had a $1 billion impact.
The D Las Vegas is the only Nevada sports book that has agreed to refund gamblers after the gaffe.
Controversial plays are nothing new to sports gamblers. Back in 2000, Mets third baseman Robin Ventura hit what appeared to be a walk-off grand slam against Atlanta. Being that Ventura only made it to second base, and was then mobbed by teammates, the official ruling was a double. It changed the total score of the game, and cost gamblers who hadbet on the under.
