Betting on royal for better or worse

27/04/11 18:40 CET

europe

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Many marriages are a gamble in some ways, but extremely few generate as many bets as Kate and William’s, and Britain’s betting industry is expecting vast sums in wagers between now and Friday.

It is not all spontaneous, despite Britain’s bet-crazy reputation. At least one enterprising bookmaker has been stirring up interest outside the wedding venue.

A potential customer said: “My favourite bet is the 8/1 that they will stay together. I can’t see the car breaking down at all, and I can’t really see them parting because they’re a good-looking couple”

The odds given at one betting shop were 66/1 for the royal car having engine trouble on its way to the Abbey, and 100/1 for Kate getting cold feet at ring time. Taking into account something that can happen to any couple, punters were being offered odds of 8/1 against a divorce within ten years.

More about: Gambling, Kate Middleton, Monarchy, Prince William of Wales, Royal wedding, United Kingdom

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