Super Bowl Recap from a Bookie
by Richard Gardner | Bodog Sportsbook Manager - 2/9/2010
History was made on Super Bowl Sunday and I know I can’t speak for every football fan or online sportsbook when I say this, but it sure was fun to watch. From start to finish, you knew that this was going to be one of those unforgettable games. I’m not at all surprised that 106.5 million viewers tuned in watch the New Orleans Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts (by a score of 31-17) to take their first Super Bowl title and break the 1983 record held by the season finale of “M*A*S*H” and become the most-watched television program in the history of American broadcasting.
More than a few of those millions had a wager or two (or 20) on the game’s NFL lines and Super Bowl props as well.
It was a very good day at Bodog, even though we had to pay out all those Saints moneyline (+165) bets. Our handle easily surpassed last year’s and, I have to admit, was a very pleasant surprise. And on that note, a big welcome goes out to all our new players that signed up for the big game.
A few more notes from Bodog Sportsbook:
The majority of the action was on the Colts to cover the spread, which closed at 5, down from 6 after a late surge of New Orleans money. Most bettors took the Colts (-1) at half time as well, another wager that turned out best for the book.
We also did extremely well when it came to the total, which closed at 57. And we didn’t even have to sweat when Peyton Manning failed to get a touchdown in the waning minutes of the game.
We did not do well on the New Orleans moneyline, however. And some of our props were very popular and profitable with the players, too. A good number of bettors took Pierre Garcon to be the first player to score a touchdown and made a very nice return when he hauled in a 19-yard pass from Manning in the first quarter.
Players also predicted that Manning would throw for over 300 yards. There was less action on Drew Brees to go over 300, which was unfortunate for us because he only threw for 288.
Most of the Brees action was on his MVP odds, which closed at 2/1.
Even a lot of the fun props went the players’ way; the color of the Gatorade that drenched the winning coach (orange) and the number of guitar windmills The Who’s Pete Townshend did over the 5.5 mark. (I lost track. Darn good thing we had someone else keep count.)
The coin toss is always a huge favourite over at Bodog, with most of our players winning when “heads” came up yet again.
On a personal note, I’d like to thank all of our players and all the readers over at Doc’s; it’s been a great season and I look forward to giving you more inside info from our online sportsbook as we shift our focus now to NBA and college basketball. The 2010 Winter Olympics should also provide some interesting numbers as well.
I will be posting weekly articles including betting previews, matchups and the inside scoop from a bookmakers point of view right here at Doc's Sports. Read my past articles - Click Here, and learn more about Bodog sportsbook - click here. If you're ready to set up an account and start playing I'd like to offer you a Sign up Bonus - Click Here. Enjoy the Bodog Experience.