According to some of the UK's biggest bookies, this year's World Cup is set to be the biggest betting event in British history.
The last World Cup saw just under £1 billion wagered by British punters, but this time round the magic billion figure is tipped to be eclipsed, making it the most bet on event in UK history.
According to William Hill's Graham Sharpe, 'The World Cup will smash all gambling records, becoming the first sporting event to produce a £1bn-plus betting turnover'.
Exactly how far handle swells past the billion mark will depend on how far England progresses. History tells us that patriotic English punters tend to bet with their hearts rather than their heads and money will continue to flow while England remain a chance to take football's greatest prize.
Bookies will be hoping that the English team stays alive deep into the tournament, but doesn't win it - as this could see them lose big.
At around 15/2 at most agencies, England is fourth favorite behind Spain, Brazil and Argentina and on paper would seem a realistic chance to win the tournament. But in the past they have underperformed against expectations and bookies will be hoping this time round is no different.
'I’d say we’re really in an ‘anyone but England’ situation [in terms of biggest margins],' Sharpe said.
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