Las Vegas is known for its bright lights, casinos, and extravagant shows. However, it is also famous for its sports betting industry. The city is home to numerous sportsbooks that offer a wide range of sports betting options. Over the years, Vegas has witnessed some of the biggest upsets in sports history. These upsets not only shocked the sports world but also cost bookmakers millions of dollars. In this article, we will discuss the biggest Vegas odds upset of all time.
Super Bowl III
The biggest upset in Vegas history happened at Super Bowl III in 1969. The New York Jets, led by quarterback Joe Namath, were 18-point underdogs against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. However, Namath famously guaranteed a victory before the game, and the Jets delivered with a 16-7 win. The upset cost bookmakers an estimated $400,000, which was a huge sum of money at the time.
Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas
In 1990, Mike Tyson was considered unbeatable in the boxing world. He had won his previous 37 fights and was a 42-1 favorite to beat Buster Douglas in their heavyweight championship bout. However, Douglas shocked the world by knocking out Tyson in the tenth round. The upset cost bookmakers an estimated $10 million, and it remains one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
UMBC vs. Virginia
In 2018, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) made history by becoming the first 16th seed to beat a number one seed in the NCAA men's basketball tournament. UMBC was a 20.5-point underdog against the University of Virginia, but they won the game 74-54. The upset cost bookmakers an estimated $1 million, and it will go down in history as one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history.
Leicester City's Premier League Title
In the 2015-2016 Premier League season, Leicester City was a 5000-1 underdog to win the title. However, they defied the odds and won the championship, shocking the soccer world. The upset cost bookmakers an estimated $10 million, making it one of the biggest upsets in soccer history.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the biggest Vegas odds upsets in sports history. These upsets not only shocked the sports world but also cost bookmakers millions of dollars. They serve as a reminder that in sports, anything can happen, and underdogs can always rise to the occasion.