A bettor in Kentucky made headlines by placing a $3.1 million wager on the Philadelphia Eagles to beat the Carolina Panthers in an upcoming NFL game. This massive bet, which could potentially win nearly $443,000, is believed to be one of the largest ever placed on a regular season NFL game.
Initially, the bettor placed a $1 million bet with Circa Sports at -700 odds. However, they later decided to increase their wager to $3.1 million, causing the odds to shift in favor of the Eagles at -870 and the Panthers at +650. This bold move caught the attention of sportsbook owner Derek Stevens, who instructed his team to secure buyback bets on the Panthers to balance the potential losses.
The Eagles-Panthers game quickly became the most heavily bet game of the weekend, with 70% of the spread handle and 80% of the money-line handle favoring Philadelphia. Despite the overwhelming support for the Eagles, the line continued to move in their favor, reaching -13 by Friday morning.
This $3.1 million bet is considered one of the largest ever placed on an NFL regular-season game. In comparison, a bettor at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas once wagered $1 million on the L.A. Rams +3 against the Eagles, resulting in a loss as the Rams were defeated 37-20. In another memorable moment, a bettor lost a $1.4 million live money-line bet on the L.A. Chargers when they blew a 27-0 lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card game.
When it comes to Super Bowl bets, some individuals have made even more extravagant wagers. Billy Walters, a renowned American sports bettor, reportedly bet $6 million on the New Orleans Saints to win against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, a bet that paid off as the Saints emerged victorious. Another notable figure, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, known for his successful sports betting ventures, has made significant bets on events like the World Series and NFL playoffs, with varying degrees of success.
Overall, the world of sports betting remains a fascinating realm where individuals are willing to stake large sums of money on their favorite teams and outcomes. The $3.1 million bet on the Eagles serves as a reminder of the excitement and risk that come with placing such monumental wagers in the world of sports betting.