THE 2006 World Cup produced a record betting turnover in excess of a billion pounds, leading bookmakers Ladbrokes reported yesterday.
Firms had predicted an eight figure sum would change hands during the course of the month long tournament in Germany.
But the figure was smashed before either of the semi-finals and the final itself produced a record turnover for the on-line industry.
Contested between Italy and France, the Berlin showpiece produced the second highest turnover of the tournament, just failing to beat England's quarter final game against Portugal.
It also generated the fourth highest number of bets, with 21 per cent of wagers being taken in the last hour before play and 34 per cent of them being generated during the game on 'in-play' markets.
Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Turnover was absolutely phenomenal. We hoped it would pass a billion and weren't disappointed.
"In years gone by England's mediocre performance and early exit from the tournament would have seen things dry up. But people are so familiar with the top names these days that they carried on betting."
The worst individual game for Ladbrokes was Italy's first round defeat of Ghana which was predicted by a number of high rollers and thousands of shop punters. But the layers took their revenge by cleaning up on Argentina's extra-time victory over Mexico.
In all, 43 of the 64 games during the tournament were won by the favourites during 90 minutes providing great value for customers.
Hutchison added: "It sounds very unpatriotic but England's defeat was sweet relief for the bookmakers. We had every other team running for us in the fieldbook and were very pleased by Italy's victory.
"Sports betting has grown hugely since the World Cup in Japan and Korea and both the bookies and the punters were helped by the sociable kick-off times. We're already looking forward to South Africa 2010."
Italy are 6/1 to retain their crown in four years time and 7/1 to triumph in Euro 2008
LATEST BETTING
WORLD CUP 2010
Brazil 4/1
Argentina 6/1
Italy 6/1
France 10/1
Germany 10/1
Spain 10/1
England 12/1
Holland 16/1
Portugal 20/1
Cameroon 25/1
Ghana 40/1
South Africa 40/1
|
