If you track back to the 1900s you’ll find many things that are far less developed compared to that of the 2020s. Whether gradual or rapid, the growth and advancements made over time have altered how we operate today. One unique thing that has evolved over time is the way that we bet on sports.
Perhaps you’ve heard the famous story of William” The Refrigerator” Perry and the Super Bowl touchdown that changed sports betting forever.
It feels like a good story to revisit:
Back in the 1980s, there wasn’t much creativity when it came to sports betting. Art Manteris and Chuck Esposito, sportsbook managers at Caesars in Las Vegas, were responsible for setting the odds for every available sport. That included Super Bowl XX between the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots.
Worried that the Bears being the overwhelming favorites would lower the handle, Manteris and Esposito turned to Perry.
Confident that the 300lb rookie defensive lineman wouldn’t carry the ball in the biggest game of the year, they posted Perry’s odds to score a touchdown at 20/1 at Caesars Sportsbook. The prop became popular amongst bettors and eventually slid all the way down to 2/1 odds by kickoff. You probably know what ensued.
Perry emerged from the sideline and into the game as the Bears were on the one-yard line and on the brink of extending their 37-3 lead. He scored, Manteris panicked and Caesars lost north of six figures.
However, the failed experiment actually turned into a game-changing one. Sportsbooks today have countless props to bet on during the big game. From anytime scorers to over/under player props and last team to score, nothing is unheard of and that all thanks to Art Manteris, Chuck Esposito and William “The Refrigerator” Perry.
“I did not expect it to explode the way that it did,” Manteris told Caesars’ Max Meyer.
“It was a combination of factors. Not only were the Bears a great team, they were a media darling and very popular with the public. Coach Ditka and The Fridge himself were very popular at the time also. We didn’t have the expectation that it would take root and spread the way that it did, but we were hoping for just a little interesting side prop that might get a little local media interest. It ended up turning into a nationwide phenomenon.”
You can find the latest odds and innumerable team and player props for Super Bowl LVI at Tipico Sportsbook.
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