by Richard Gardner | Sportsbook Manager
Super Bowl XLIV set a new record with 106.5 million viewers tuning in to CBS to watch the New Orleans Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-17.
More than a few of those millions had a wager or two (or 20) on the game’s Super Bowl betting lines and Super Bowl betting props as well.
We had a fantastic 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. A big welcome goes out to all our new players that signed up for the big game.
As we expected, 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. With two very potent offenses, the players were heavily on the over here. As it turned out, we didn’t even have to sweat when Peyton Manning failed to get a touchdown in the waning minutes of the game.
We certainly didn’t win ‘em all though. I mentioned the New Orleans moneyline. That one hurt. Well, some of our props were very popular with the players as well. Or should I say they were profitable. 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. Yes, he was the MVP.
Even a lot of the fun props went the players’ way. They correctly predicted color of the Gatorade that drenched the winning coach (orange) and cashed when The Who’s Pete Townshend went over 5.5 of his legendary guitar windmills. (I think he ended up with approximately 293, not to mention a separated shoulder.)
And of course I have to mention the coin toss. Always a ton of action on the coin toss. Again, the players won when heads came up.
It’s been a great season of NFL football at Bodog. To all those who played with us, thank you and we look forward to seeing you again next season.
