The New England Patriots may be favored to win Super Bowl LII, but one confident gambler felt strongly enough about the Philadelphia Eagles to wager over $1 million on the heavy underdog.
An anonymous better placed a ‘multimillion-dollar’ bet on Philadelphia at the MGM Grand’s Las Vegas sports book on Wednesday, the Casino’s vice president of race and sports Jay Rood told ESPN.
Rood did not reveal the exact amount of the wager or if it was placed on the money line or if the high-stakes gambler was putting his or her money on the spread. However, Rood did say that the gambler was one of MGM Grand’s regulars.
The Eagles are typically about a five-point underdog at the Las Vegas sports books
In addition to the multimillion-dollar wager, MGM Grand’s Las Vegas sportsbook (pictured) also took a few six-figure bets as well as several more between $10k and $80k
Prior to the massive bet, the action between the two teams had been about equal for MGM Grand, Rood said, adding that ‘[o]bviously, we’re pretty heavy Eagles now.’
Not only is the amount of the wager unknown, but the details of the bet are also a mystery. MGM Grand’s Super Bowl LII spread dropped changed on Wednesday with the Patriots going from a 5.5-point favorite (-5.5) to a 4.5-point favorite (+4.5). Likewise, MGM Grand’s moneyline had the Eagles starting the day at +180 (meaning one would have to bet $100 to get $180 in return – $280 including the original stake) before ending at +170.
Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola celebrates one of two touchdown catches against Jacksonville on Sunday
If the gambler took the Eagles for $1 million on the moneyline at +170, that person would stand to get a $2.7 million return, including the original stake.
According to ESPN, most of the bets had been on the spread. And, in addition to the multimillion-dollar wager, the casino also took a few six-figure wagers and a more bets between $10k and $80k.
‘I’ve had inquiries for some big bets,’ Rood said. ‘Last year, on Saturday and Sunday, we took probably a record number of six-figure wagers. I’m thinking the same kind of thing is going to happen this year.’
As ESPN’s David Purdum explained, seven-figure bets on the Super Bowl are not uncommon. But seeing as the game is over a week away, the multimillion-dollar wager likely portends a significant amount of action on Super Bowl LII.
‘It’s a good position that we got it this early,’ Rood said. ‘It gives us an opportunity to do what we’re supposed to do — try to put us in the best possible position.’
Philadelphia Eagles’ Brandon Graham holds the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC championship game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday