Ed Barkowitz, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Watched a guy go into a sportsbook in Atlantic City on the first Friday of the NCAA Tournament in March.
The sportsbook was dimly lit, but lively. Games were on all the screens, and he was hot for Wisconsin. Loved the Badgers, even though they were facing an Oregon team that had won eight straight and played its way into the field by winning the Pac-12 Tournament.
But before jumping on Wisconsin, which started at 4:30 p.m., he put $3,500 on Cincinnati to beat Iowa in the early block of games. Cincy had won the American Athletic Conference Tournament the previous weekend and when the Bearcats jumped out to an 18-5 lead, it looked like a fine start to the day.
Then Iowa shot 65 percent from the field in the second half and roared back to win by seven. No problem, right? Still had Wisconsin starting in 90 minutes.
Yes, problem.
When our guy went back to put another $3,500 on the Badgers, he was told his limit had been cut to $2,800, essentially telling him that if he wanted to recoup the $3,500 he lost on Cincinnati, he’d have to win two games.
Casinos may impose limits at their discretion to limit their liability. It’s well within the regulations, but a restriction new to many bettors in this region of the country.
Aggravated, the guy jumped in a cab and went to the Borgata. He was able to get $3,500 on Wisconsin, which fell apart in the second half and lost by 18.
Down 7 large, it was time to go to dinner.
Rest is here…https://www.inquirer.com/sports/sports-betting-legalization-one-year-new-jersey-pennsylvania-las-vegas-20190514.html
