College Football Playoff Semifinal Games

Betting Expectations Soar at Westgate’s Las Vegas Location

LAS VEGAS — This weekend and Monday are set to draw massive crowds at Westgate’s Las Vegas location as sportsbook director Jay Kornegay anticipates a surge in bets for the two College Football Playoff semifinal games.

Timing is Key

Last season, the games took place on New Year’s Eve. However, this year, the games will be played on New Year’s Day, leading Kornegay to expect a significant increase in betting action.

Exciting Matchups

The field for the semifinals is exceptional, with the top-ranked team, Michigan, facing off against No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Additionally, No. 2 Washington will compete against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl. With such notable teams going head-to-head, Kornegay believes that the handle, or the total amount wagered, could potentially double or even triple that of last year. He confidently stated, “Certainly, the participants have huge fan bases.”

Expecting Record-Breaking Numbers

Kornegay not only predicts a surge in betting activity at the Las Vegas book but also at Westgate’s other locations across the country. Westgate has books in eight states besides Nevada. With high anticipation of these exciting matchups, Kornegay confidently claimed, “The volume level is going to be cranked up probably like we’ve never seen it before. So we’re certainly looking for possible records during this year’s playoff games.”

Tide Rolls In

Michigan vs Alabama Betting Trends

At Caesars Sportsbook, Michigan initially opened as a 2 1/2-point favorite. However, as money poured in on Alabama, the line shifted to 1 1/2 points in favor of Michigan. Caesars even adjusted the line to a pick ’em at one point due to approximately 75% of bets being placed on the Tide.

Nonetheless, a professional bettor placed a massive $80,000 wager on the Wolverines, causing Caesars to readjust the line back to 1 1/2 points in favor of Michigan. Joey Feazel, who oversees college football betting for Caesars, stated, “So that tells me Michigan should be a slight favorite in this one. But the public is very heavy-handed on the Crimson Tide.”

Westgate experienced a similar trend. Michigan also started as a 2 1/2-point favorite but saw the line move to a point when bets flooded in for Alabama. However, there was another shift, and the Wolverines became 2-point favorites.

“Just based off of history, we know that Alabama money is going to show up,” Kornegay concluded.

FanDuel Sportsbook Sees Majority Support for Alabama and Washington

FanDuel Sportsbook has reported notable betting trends for the College Football Playoff semifinal games. Alabama, currently listed as a 1 1/2-point underdog, has received 81% of the bets and the majority of the handle in favor of them winning outright. Moreover, 69% of bets and 75% of the money have been placed on Alabama to cover the spread.

Action on the Underdogs

On the other side of the bracket, the Texas-Washington matchup has been less volatile. The Longhorns have generally been favored by 4 or 4 1/2 points. However, despite this, most of the action at FanDuel is still favoring the underdog.

An impressive 78% of bets and 64% of the handle are backing Washington to win outright. Additionally, 69% of bets and 72% of the money are on the Huskies to cover the 4 1/2-point spread.

Grading the Field

One person who seems content with how the playoff field has shaped up is Feazel. He expresses gratitude that undefeated Florida State did not make it to the playoffs, citing their performance decline after quarterback Jordan Travis's leg injury last month.

Feazel believes that even if Florida State was included, teams like Georgia and Oregon would still be favored against Texas and Washington in hypothetical matchups.

Looking Ahead

Regardless of who emerges victorious in the Rose Bowl, FanDuel has already set the odds for the national championship game on January 8th in Houston.

If Michigan wins, they would be favored by seven points against Washington and by three points against Texas. Alternatively, if Alabama wins, they would be favored by 6 1/2 points against Washington and by 2 1/2 points against Texas.