Bettors at FanDuel and DraftKings — the duopoly of American sports betting — were hosed by a decision to shorten a game between South Alabama and Northwestern State.
The coaches for the respective teams agreed to shorten the fourth quarter of the game by six minutes en route to an eventual 87-10 South Alabama blowout.
The issue for bettors? The minimum for a game to settle is 55 minutes. South Alabama vs. Northwestern State played 54 minutes.
All wagers that were unequivocally settled — for instance, the over on 59.5 points — were paid out because the result was guaranteed. Bets on South Alabama -36.5, however, were voided because of this house rule. Of course, while this was pity for South Alabama bettors, Northwestern State +36.5 rejoiced.
Any player props were graded under the same principle, meaning under bettors were mostly toast. No unders paid out as winners, but some were graded as losers.
Over bettors won out. No overs were graded as losers and some were winners if they unequivocally won in the allotted 54 minute time.
NCAA bylaws permit opposing coaches to shorten the game if both parties agree. It's happened two other times this season already. In August, a game between Arkansas and Arkansas-Pine Bluff played just 50 minutes and the same rules applied as they did with South Alabama vs. Northwestern State.
And in Week 2, Georgia blew out Tennessee Tech. The parties involved agreed to shorten the game by five minutes, enough for the 55 minute threshold and allowing all bets to stand.
