Ontario man who thought he won $1,458 on sports bet shocked by reason he won't get the prize
An Ontario man who recently bet $2 on a long shot and thought he won $1,458 by predicting the outcome of three hockey games was shocked when he was told he didn't actually win.
"I felt great, I was excited," Burlington man Marc Nadal told CTV News Toronto.
Sports betting is a billion dollar business and recently the rules were changed to allow single-game sports betting in Canada, but in Ontario that is only online and in store you still have to correctly pick three correct outcomes to win.
Nadal, who said he considers himself a casual bettor, likes to wager small amounts on long shots. On Jan. 8, he bet on three NHL games and predicted all three would end in a tie.
At the end of regulation time, the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers were tied, as were the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes, and the Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild.
Nadal thought he was a winner.
"I guess everyone is looking for the elusive three game tie, which is statistically pretty hard to get," he said. "I hit that and I was obviously pretty excited."
However, when Nadal went to collect his money, he was told he was not a winner.
The Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild game went to a shootout, but the other two games ended when goals were scored during the overtime period.
Nadal said he was shocked when the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) told him a tie is not a tie until the five minute overtime period is over and the shootout begins.
"That's not really consistent to what a tie is in the rest of the world," said Nadal, adding the NHL considers a game a tie after regulation time and OLG should too.
"In the NHL, each participating team is awarded a point at the end of regulation time (because it’s a tie) and the additional five minutes is the tie breaker," said Nadal.
But the OLG confirmed to CTV News Toronto that with PROLINE Hockey, a tie result includes the overtime period.
"It is based on regulation play plus the five-minute overtime period," a spokesperson told CTV News Toronto. "This means that a hockey game will result in both a tie (based on regulation play plus overtime, but not including a shootout) and a win (based on regulation play plus overtime plus shootout) only if the game goes to a shootout. If a game is settled prior to the shootout (including regulation time and the 5-minute overtime), no Tie result is recorded."
"The current rules for PRO·LINE hockey ties were implemented for the 2005-2006 hockey season to reflect the modifications made to the rules of the game by the governing league at that time."
Nadal feels that is unfair and says OLG should treat tie games the same way the NHL does.
"To be honest I don't think I would be picking ties if I would have originally known this," said Nadal.
The rules for ties are also different for sports such as football and soccer. OLG said sports betting is extremely popular but added the rules can be complex and advises customers to do their homework before placing a bet.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.