UMBC bettors cashed out big-time after historic upset
If history is any indication, Friday night’s stunning University of Maryland, Baltimore County victory over Virginia was likely a lucrative one for a litany of involved parties. Head coach Ryan Odom will likely get poached or receive a raise and the university will witness a surge in applications, alumni donations, merchandise sales, in addition to millions of dollars in free media publicity.
Virginia was such a heavy favorite that some Vegas sportsbooks didn’t even offer a money-line price. Fortunately, a few bold individuals made bank as well by placing low-risk, high reward bets on UMBC. A bettor at CG Technology, which offered the Retrievers at 20-1, was arguably the biggest winner of the night.
Biggest betting winner so far appears to be better at @CGTechnology_ who took an $800 moneyline bet on UMBC. Cashes out to the tune of $16,000.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 17, 2018
One for the ages. $800 on a 20/1 underdog that becomes the first 16 seed to take down a No. 1. Bet was made @CGTechnology_ book. H/T @jsimbal pic.twitter.com/O950VXySEk
— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) March 17, 2018
A few informal bets were made, although it’s unlikely the winners will ever receive their exorbitant payouts.
Good. Lord.
— Kyle Maloney (@_MALIG_) March 17, 2018
In total, there were 134 bets made with William Hill US on UMBC upsetting Virginia. The largest six were $100 and each earned around $2,500 in net winnings.
The team ranked 188th in Ken Pomeroy’s rankings was not supposed to defeat the No. 1 team in the nation and some bettors took too many risks. On the reverse end of the fortunes being spread, one poor, anonymous soul made the sportsbetting equivalent to the imperfect bracket.
According to ESPN’s David Purdum, a bettor went through Las Vegas sportsbook operator CG to place an inexplicable $20,000 money-line parlay featuring a chance to win only $870. He placed his bets on North Carolina, Purdue and Virginia. One’s skin crawls at the notion of losing five-figures on one of the surest things in sports. Until Friday night, 16 seeds were 0-135 all-time against 1 seeds.
In an awkward twist, the only people who invested in UMBC hoops who probably won’t profit are the players themselves.
– – – – – – –
DJ Dunson is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at dunsnchecksin@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or Facebook.
More March Madness coverage from Yahoo Sports:
• UMBC shocks Virginia, first 16-seed ever to beat a No. 1
• What is UMBC? Everything you need to know about the university
• UMBC’s upset eliminated last perfect bracket in Yahoo Sports Tourney Pick’em
• Where UMBC’s upset of Virginia ranks among all-time greatest upsets
• Meet UMBC’s other hero, the man behind its famous Twitter account
