If the NFL has spent their first 100 years denying how much gambling has been a part of their success, the XFL has jumped into betting feet first. And their first-ever game with the Seattle Dragons vs. the DC Defenders (-9.5, total 51.5) had social media buzzing about wagering.
It was the first time any televised football game in America had the spread and total posted right there on the scorebug. And it appears to have helped to drive interest in the first game in league history, and the exciting ending didn’t hurt.
Here’s some of the best tweets and coverage from the XFL’s first game, a 31-19 win for DC bettors and the under.
Curious how much of the initial XFL buzz will be gambling-related. TV broadcast on ABC showing favorite and over/under in the scoreline. pic.twitter.com/CeUP0zklhb
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 8, 2020
It looks like the only thing better than spring professional football is spring professional football you have a vested interest in watching.
I’m not going to lie - I have money on the underdog Seattle Dragons over the DC Defenders. My theory is the oddsmakers have no idea who should be favored in these early XFL games. Also not going to lie...my sports gambling theories run at about a 21% success rate. pic.twitter.com/JoWJiapLHX
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) February 8, 2020
NARRATOR: he lost
Does anyone have a dart board they can throw darts at to decide what i bet in the XFL today.
— Keg. (@GratefulKeg) February 8, 2020
Me getting ready to bet every XFL game this weekend like: pic.twitter.com/X7YiEnki7t
— B/R Betting (@br_betting) February 8, 2020
Hey #GamblingTwitter let’s collectively booo @FOXSports for not having the #XFL betting line on their ticker. pic.twitter.com/y1AWTUyOAj
— Brandon DuBreuil (@CoversBD) February 8, 2020
And then the game started, and a big game for Cardale “12 Gauge” Jones even got the hype train going on futures as well.
Are there any websites taking XFL MVP bets and how much will they allow me to wager on Cardale
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) February 8, 2020
You sure can, Rodger! DraftKings Sportsbook is an official partner of the XFL, and you can get all your action there.
Of course it was totally appropriate the end was particularly brutal for one side of the action. A field goal by Seattle with 8:24 left was good to hit the over, but came off the board due to a penalty. Seattle ended up fumbling later in the drive, and no future points were scored. The under gets there.
If @XFLDragons don’t cover, after taking the necessary 3 points OFF THE BOARD and thus keeping the game UNDER, this will go down as the worst beat in the long and storied history of the #XFL @XFLDefenders pic.twitter.com/ZobMpGEtKa
— Dave Ross (@drosssports) February 8, 2020
The DC Defenders win and cover -9.5 in the first @xfl2020 game! Total sneaks Under 51.5. Brutal for Over bettors considering the points were on the board.
— Andrew Caley (@Covers_Caley) February 8, 2020
Overall, a great start for the XFL.
These last 2 minute rules are gonna lead to some LEGENDARY bad beats.
— JosephKnish (@JoeyKnish22) February 8, 2020
You aren't an official sports league until you have a bad betting beat. Welcome to the dance XFL.
— Brandon Berg (@brandon_berg) February 8, 2020
Of course, Winning Twitter sent out a lot more than Losing Twitter. Let the celebrations begin!
DC -7.5:
— David Fucillo (@davidfucillo) February 8, 2020
UNDER 51:
I should stop betting on XFL at this point.
1-0 on XFL gambling. Sky is the limit. DM for advice
— Bradley Emery (@BradleyEmery2) February 8, 2020
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.