The Washington Redskins could make one West Virginia bettor very rich. But a lot has to go right for that person to realize a seven-figure payout.
$2.8 million for an NFC title?
The Hollywood Casino Sportsbook at Charles Town took a futures bet last week on the Washington Redskins to win the NFC title this season. The $8,000 wager would net an incredible $2.8 million with its 350-1 odds.
Although this may seem far-fetched, the Redskins are still very much alive in the NFC playoff picture. If a few pieces fall the right way, Washington could end up in the playoffs, vying for the NFC crown.
The ramifications of this outcome would be major for both the risky gambler and the William Hill Sportsbook.
What needs to happen?
In order for anyone to really get excited about this bet, the Redskins must first qualify for the playoffs. Even though starting quarterback Alex Smith is done for the year, the team still has a fighting chance. After a win this week against Jacksonville, Washington now sits at 7-7, only a game behind the division-leading Dallas Cowboys.
The NFC Wild Card spots are still up for grabs as well. Since Seattle lost to drop to 8-6, the Redskins can still technically win out and secure the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings currently possess the No. 6 spot, with a 7-6-1 record.
For Washington to have any shot, it must win its final two games. It travels to Tennessee this week to battle the Titans, then hosts Philadelphia in Week 17.
The Redskins and the bettor need help
Even with two victories, the Redskins will still need help. They could take over the division lead if Dallas loses its final two games. The Cowboys host Tampa Bay this week, then are away at the New York Giants in their season finale.
Otherwise, Washington will need assistance from Seattle or Minnesota. The Seahawks finish against a tough Kansas City team, then play Arizona at home in their last game. The Vikings are in Detroit this week and then are home against the playoff-bound Chicago Bears.
If Washington ends up tied with either, the tiebreaker is the teams’ win percentage against other conference opponents. The Redskins won’t face either Wild Card contender this year so there will be no head to head record. According to ESPN’s calculations, Washington has a 15 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Once into the “tournament,” Washington will have an opportunity to win the NFC. It would not be able to earn a first-round bye however, so Washington would need to win three total playoff games to earn the title.
Big impact in WV sports betting?
However unlikely, this West Virginia sportsbook’s bet would have an amazing impact from the top down. Obviously this bettor will become a very fortunate and rich individual off such a long-shot wager.
On the other side, Hollywood Casino and the William Hill Sportsbook could take a big hit. Without mobile betting in play, revenue has been relatively low in WV so far.
The book’s short-term revenue would be drastically affected having to pay out such an enormous number. You can guarantee there are executives there who will be rooting against the Redskins from here on out.
