No to Scotland Independence: Most Bets Ever for a Political Event, Man Wins $2 Mil
Bookmakers have made out big on the recent referendum for Scotland’s independence.
During the early morning hours of Friday it was revealed that Scotland will remain a part of the United Kingdom for the time being with 55.3 percent of its nearly 90% eligible voters choosing “NO” to independence.
A Ladbrokes spokesman confirmed to the Financial Times that the referendum would be the biggest political betting event in the history of their company, pointing out that more money was wagered on the Scottish referendum than the last British general election and American presidential election combined.
And then there is this: One man actually placed a $1.6 million wager on Scotland voting “NO” to independence. He stands to collect nearly $2 million.
The unidentified Londoner reportedly placed a $731,000 wager (£400,000) at one-to-four odds on Scotland remaining part of the Union back in June, and three additional bets (at 1/5 & 1/6) over the summer. Bookmaker William Hill took the wager.
James Midmer of Betfair.com told the Financial Times that around 75% of the bets had come in on the "NO" with one £50,000 bet coming in leading up to the vote followed by two other large wagers for £20,000 each.
- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
