Paddypower Payout Early on United Winning Title

Irish Bookmaker Paddypower has paid out early on Manchester United winning the 2008 Premier League title. They took the decision to pay out early to all those customers who had back United to win the Premier League throughout the season on Friday morning, depsite Chelsea moving just two points behind them in the league with a 1-0 win over Everton on Thursday night.

A spokesman for the firm said “Let’s be honest, they are home and hosed at this stage and it would take a minor miracle for Chelsea to catch them. Having said that, we did end up paying out on both the betting odds for Arsenal and United to win the title a few years ago, so you never know. Whatever happens, we reckon that the money might as well be in the punter’s pocket at this stage.”

It is a great gesture from the company to reward punters who had backed Fergie’s men at odds of 13/8 at the start of the season and they could face an even bigger payout if the Reds go on to lift the Champions League. However, Paddypower could end up with egg on their faces as bookmaker Fred Done, Chairman of Betfred, found out when paying out early on United to win the titlte in 1998, when eight point clear. That season, Arsenal came pipped them at the post and so anybody who has backed Chelsea shouldn’t throw away that betting slip just yet.

Ladbrokes Live Horse Racing

Ladbrokes Live Horse Racing agreement has been signed with Turf TV this week in a deal worth £70 Million over 5 years. This equates to a deal worth £6,500 per shop and this was a deal which just had to happen.

Ladbrokes just could not do without Live TV pictures from 31 racecourses including such top venues as Ascot, Cheltenham, Newmarket, Aintree, Epsom and Sandown.

William Hill and Betfred will now have no option to also sign an agreement sooner rather than later as they will be at a competitive disadvantage on the high street and will face losing customers to their opposition.