Full Details on the USC/Utah Score Change Controversy

When an apparent USC touchdown was disallowed at the end of the game vs. Utah, the final score was posted as: USC 17, Utah 14. Most sports bettors were pleased with this result since Utah was bet heavily (with the point spread closing USC -8).

Like after any other game, once the final score is confirmed, Las Vegas casinos start paying out the winners – while the losers rip up and discard their tickets.

But then, a few hours later, word spread across the Internet that the Pac 10 had changed the score to USC 23-14. That new score meant that USC bettors won, and Utah bettors lost.

But not so fast! Different Las Vegas sportsbooks handled the score change in different ways!

Many sportsbooks (notably MGM, Caesars, and Wynn) continue to pay Utah tickets, and are refusing to pay USC tickets. Caesars oddsmaker Todd Fuhrman tweated: “We do not recognize defaults prior to the start of the event, suspended games, protests, or overturned decisions for wagering purposes.”

At the MGM bettors were literally screaming at sportsbook supervisors while pointing up at ESPN on the big screens: “Look at the score, USC covered”. All the while the MGM board glowed with the old score, and Utah bettors continued to cash tickets.

Other sportsbooks (notably Hilton, Cantor, LeRoys) reacted to the score change and started paying USC tickets while no longer paying Utah backers. These books deserve credit because they will likely pay out much more than those sticking with the old score, because many Utah bettors cashed in the first few hours after the game (the books have no way to get that money back), and now USC bettors will also be able to cash.

Even more surreal is the fact that many tens-of-thousands of dollars of “winning” USC tickets were discarded after the game – and now litter the floors and fill the garbage cans of sportsbooks across the state.

Reports indicate that the consensus offshore sportsbook decision is to take back the amounts paid to Utah bettors, and credit USC bettors. Note that no cash has been paid, only online credits granted – making reversing the ATS winner much easier. Conspiracy theorist should note that well over 60% of the money bet on the game was bet on Utah, so deciding to pay USC bettors is a big bottom-line win for the offshore sportsbooks.

RJ Bell

And this is why I never bet offshore! Only here in vegas, YAY

Leroys house rules under "determining the winner"

"Management does not recognize suspended games, protests, OVERTURNED DECISIONS, etc. for wagering purposes."

since their not paying out on Utah, we can determine what was best for the book itself. obviously they're not obiding by their own rules... So no credit to them from me. also you have to realize that  most , if not all, Leroys books close down for the night after the start of the last game being played-believe that was 7:00 p.m.(vegas time) for the UCLA game. HMM?

But have to say GREAT article RJ...way to get it out there for all to see

This article is really making the rounds on twitter - great to be on the front lines when it comes to sports betting reporting . . .

Lots of media still talking about this today . . .

No shit!?!  I got the game at 9, so push; but had circled as win when score went final.  I NEVER knew they changed the score, uhmm.... not outcome of winner though.  Left coast liberals trying to please everybody again; and take political correctness over the top?

I don't think I can EVER recall a FINAL score being overturned or changed.  Sounds like some shady business.

Fox Sports quotes Pregame.com on USC/Utah score change: http://bit.ly/p98ETQ

What if it had been a Super Bowl?

"Oh, my gosh," Kornegay said. "Shoot me in the head."

Could you f**king imagine if it was, lol.

Every sportsbook has their rules printed regarding situations such as this.  It behooves the bettor to learn the rules before making a wager.

Nice that RJ got national coverage for Pregame from the story.....