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Bookies Capitalise on Patriotic Brits this World Cup

Figures reveal that this year’s World Cup is set to be one of the largest betting events of all time, with £1bn being gambled in the UK alone.
Finance, Leisure, World - 11 June 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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Today sees the kick off to the 2010 World Cup and it is estimated that more than $3bn will be bet on the tournament worldwide with £1bn being spent in the UK, bookies could end up taking more money than the host country. Experts predict that 20% of total bets in the UK will be put on England with an expected multi-million pound payout if Capello’s men win.

£500m of this will be spent online, with bookmaker Tote Sport expecting 25% of their total turnover coming from website bets, double that of the last World Cup tournament in Germany.

There has been a massive increase in ‘in game betting’ mainly due to a high proportion of gamblers using the internet whilst watching the television. Further to this, football fans are now able to watch whilst on the move with the increasing popularity of ‘Smart Phones' expected to encourage in-game bets.

. Introduction:

Just hours before the first game kicks off, bookies are looking forward to one of the biggest betting events of all time, smashing all gambling records being the first sporting event ever to produce over £1bn turnover. However, with our patriotic fans, experts predict 20% of all bets in the UK to be put on England meaning there will be a multi-million pound payout if Capello’s men reign supreme in South Africa. There has been a large increase in online and in-game betting with many gamblers surfing the net whilst watching the games.

So what are people in the UK betting their money on this World Cup?

Joining us in the studio is George Primarolo, football betting analyst from Tote Sport.

. Suggested Questions:

How much money is expected to be gambled in our area?

Why has there been such an increase in online gambling?

What are some of the most interesting and different bets available?

What does in-play betting entail?

Considering previous tournament outcomes, are there any hot tips for this tournament?

Where can we find out more information?