Bookies on course for first ever billion pound World Cup:as internet figures show:
YOU BET UK PUNTERS ARE BACKING ENGLAND; BUT REST OF WORLD GO FOR SOUTH AMERICANS
Prior to the World Cup starting, bookmakers William Hill were predicting that a record £1,000,000,000 will be gambled on the outcome of the tournament and so far all the indicators are that the original estimates are well within their grasp. Hill's latest internet statistics prove that this World Cup has produced the biggest patriotic punt in the history of World Cup betting with 16% of all bets placed within the UK going on England. The biggest bet on England so far is from a London based William Hill customer who has bet £200,000 on England winning the World Cup, and should England win Hills will be writing him a cheque for £1.4 million.
However, punters from outside the UK are far less optimistic about England's chances and have England way down in their list of favourites - fifth equal with Holland, France, The Czech Rep and Spain.
Where English Punters Are Putting Their Money*

16% England
14% Argentina
10% Spain
8% Brazil
7% Holland
7% Czech Rep
6% Italy
6% Germany

Who Are The Rest Of The World Backing*

14% Brazil
12% Argentina
9% Italy
8% Germany
7% Holland
7% France
7% Czech Rep
7% Spain
7% England
*Figure are compiled from All World Cup bets placed to date on www.williamhill.co.uk
William Hill World Cup Facts:
Hills have Internet customers in over 200 different countries.
Hills predict that 30% of World Cup turnover will be internet based, with 20% via the Telephone and 50% from their 2300 shops.
Hills punters will use 3 million betting shop pens during the World Cup.
Hills punters will fill in 1.5 Million World Cup coupons.
With an average World Cup wager of £10 Hills expect to accept 10 million or more individual bets on the World Cup.