Super Bowl: Gladys Knight's national anthem performance costs betting company six figures

A sports betting company has reported an estimated six-figure loss due to the length of the performance

Clémence Michallon
New York
Monday 04 February 2019 04:49 GMT
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Gladys Knights rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl 2019

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Louise Thomas

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Gladys Knight‘s Super Bowl performance has cost a sports betting company an estimated six figures.

The singer sang the National Anthem prior to kick off during the sporting event on Sunday.

Knights’ gig – more specifically, its length – was one of many wagers available on the sidelines of the Super Bowl, the most heavily bet event of the year.

The over-under for Knight’s performance was set at one minute and 50 seconds.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” ends with the word “brave”, which Knight pronounced after one minute and 49 seconds, according to Reuters.

But she then started singing again, extending her performance beyond the planned 110 seconds.

BetOnline.ag, a betting platform, told Reuters they decided to pay out both over- and under-betters, unlike other companies who only pay one side.

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The company said it was losing an estimated six figures as a result.

Additional reporting by agencies.

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