The continued growth of phone betting

The biggest betting bonanza in history is underneath way, with bookies expecting to take an amazing planetwin365 pounds 250million more than the next four weeks.

Euro 2000 was the very first occasion to smash the pwin365 pounds 100m barrier, but that figure is positive to be dwarfed due to the abolition of betting tax along with the explosion of web betting.

Throw within the continued growth of phone betting, spread betting Spread betting is any of various forms of wagering around the outcome of an event, in which the pay-off is according to the accuracy with the wager, rather than a simple "win or lose" outcome.  and also the recent emergence of betting exchanges (exactly where punters can bet one-to-one against each other) and it's easy to see why this tournament will shatter all previous records.

William Hill The name William Hill may refer towards the following: People
William Hill (Australian politician) (1866-1939), a long serving member in the Australian House of Representatives. , for instance, have laid wagers from 200 countries, including the biggest ever bet in euros after a Barcelona businessman placed 62,000 euros on Spain to win the cup at 8-1.

Hills are bracing themselves for a massive payout if Spain succeed because Birmingham florist Adrian Fitzpatrick alone stands to win nearly pounds 1million.

Fitzpatrick, who netted nearly pounds 500,000 when Brazil beat Italy inside the 1994 final, placed a pounds 40,000 double in February on Arsenal to win the Premiership at 13-8 and Spain to lift the World Cup at 8-1.

Hills will be hoping to catch him before he sets up stall as they are opening 100 branches at 7am on selected days throughout the tournament to ensure punters don't forget about the early kick-off times.

"We're not expecting the early starts to have a major effect on turnover, especially as punters can select up a phone or go online to bet," said Hills' Graham Sharpe. "But some of our shops will open early for big games such as England v Nigeria."

Italy have been heavily backed in recent weeks. Along with Spain, the Azzurri are inside the "easy" half in the draw and punters have latched on towards the idea that they have a relatively clear path to the final.

But Simon Clare of Corals said: "The professionals and high-rollers have been piling on France. They are the team we'd most like to see beaten, closely followed by Italy.

"England winning the World 888POKER Cup would not be such a bad result as things stand. I'm sure the momentum will gather pace if they get through the 1st stage, but they've UK LOTTERY been relatively friendless so far."

There has also been plenty of activity on the top goalscorer market, but the largest wagers will be on individual matches.