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The first ever CFP Championship Game between Ohio State and Oregon was a bonafide hit though it wasn’t exactly pretty for the books.
Ohio State’s outright upset win over Oregon cost them dearly as the money line wager on the Buckeyes received heavy volume compared to a typical wager of this type. There was some redemption as Oregon failed to cover. More than 80% of the money line action was on Ohio State while around 60% of the spread action was on Oregon to cover a -5 to -7.5 point line.
Westgate Super Book in Las Vegas estimated the CFP Championship Game took in approximately 20% of last year’s Super Bowl handle or about $24 million.
"It's blowing away other college [championship] games," said Wynn Sportsbook Director John Avello leading up to last night’s game. He estimated the handle would be double that of last year’s BCS Championship game. "The fact they played it out on the field from four teams to two is more exciting for the bettors, plus it's had more time on the board."
For some though the game failed to meet expectations.
Jay Rood's 10 MGM Resorts sports books across the strip failed to meet initial forecasts. Rood told The Linesmakers this was due, in part, to the game being played on a Monday night.
"I was thinking last week that this could be the highest handled college football game we've ever seen, and it might have been if it played on a Saturday night or even last night, but it's pretty quiet here right now. Things will pick up a few hours before the game, but I'm not as optimistic as I once was about seeing a larger handle for a title game than ever before."
Rood did say their "handle has been good" and that they had written "well into the seven-figure range".
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
