Bookies expected heavy betting at the start of the World Cup of Cricket but they weren't ready for one of the biggest bets in the history of this tournament, when a punter from the North of England wagered a staggering £82K that India will win.
Ladbrokes reported that the single bet come in on Thursday night. What makes it even more surprising is that the wager was made so early in the competition.
"This is one of the largest single bets in one-day cricket we've taken," said Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes. "One of the largest in any sport, outside of football and horse racing."
Traditionally, bets of around £10 - £20 are made on the outcome of the tournament, although higher bets are not unusual. However, for a single player to wager such a high amount is almost unheard of.
Should India win, the mysterious bettor stands to make himself a cool £246,000!
Betting action is high on the World Cup of Cricket, and bookies say that there is support for most teams.
Strangely, the English team is being shunned, despite its recent Ashes victory.
India are the current favourites to win the World Cup with odds of 3/1, followed by Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia.
Bookies hope to take in around £10 million worth of bets by the end of the tournament.
"In games like the World Cup, you tend to get more bets as the matches progress," explained Rupert Adams, speaking for William Hill.
Ladbrokes reported that the single bet come in on Thursday night. What makes it even more surprising is that the wager was made so early in the competition.
"This is one of the largest single bets in one-day cricket we've taken," said Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes. "One of the largest in any sport, outside of football and horse racing."
Traditionally, bets of around £10 - £20 are made on the outcome of the tournament, although higher bets are not unusual. However, for a single player to wager such a high amount is almost unheard of.
Should India win, the mysterious bettor stands to make himself a cool £246,000!
Betting action is high on the World Cup of Cricket, and bookies say that there is support for most teams.
Strangely, the English team is being shunned, despite its recent Ashes victory.
India are the current favourites to win the World Cup with odds of 3/1, followed by Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia.
Bookies hope to take in around £10 million worth of bets by the end of the tournament.
"In games like the World Cup, you tend to get more bets as the matches progress," explained Rupert Adams, speaking for William Hill.
