by Renee Israel
Punters gambled to epic proportions during the FIFA 2010 World Cup, making it the biggest gambling event in history.
According to William Hill, which is the UK's number one bookmaker, the FIFA 2010 World Cup set the record as the largest gambling event ever to take place. A record turn over of £1 billion was set for the premier event.
Graham Sharpe, spokesperson for William Hill commented that "not even England's unexpected early demise prevented the World Cup producing a record betting turnover and fortunately for us Spain's early defeat by Switzerland seemed to dampen enthusiasm for backing them, which worked in our favour."
The bookmaker was not the only one to be successful. There are a number of stories of happy punters who did well by backing Spain. One lucky client put £50,000 on Spain to win and with odds of 9/2, his payout was 4 1/2 to one. In other words, the happy customer took home an impressive £275,000.
William Hill is already looking towards the World Cup of 2014. Bookies have already written off the English team with a very small chance of success and have given them odds of 16/1.
Sharpe commented about the low odds that have been offered on the English team, saying: "We have never quoted England at such long odds for a World Cup before, but after the debacle of their campaign this time, we need to offer such odds to have hope of attracting anyone back to them."
Other odds at William Hill on who will win the World Cup 2014 include:
Brazil LP 7/2
Argentina LP 6/1
Spain LP 9/2
Germany LP 11/1
Italy LP 20/1
Chile LP 40/1
USA LP 80/1
Romania LP 100/1
Australia LP 200/1
Bulgaria LP 250/1
South Africa LP 500/1
