Bookmaker Bets on Ashes Cricket

UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by Bloomberg: "The Ashes cricket series between England and Australia may attract record bets of as much as 50 million pounds (US$90 million), U.K. bookmaker William Hill said.

"The five-match rubber between the sport's highest-ranked teams has captivated fans after host England rebounded from a 239-run defeat in the first Test to win the second by two runs. Australia clung on for a draw in the rain-affected third contest. England is seeking a first Ashes win over its oldest rival since 1987.

"…William Hill rates Australia 7/5 to win the fourth Test and retain the Ashes. With showers forecast to interrupt the five-day game that starts Aug. 25 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, the draw is also a 7/5 chance, while a successful 2-pound wager on England will yield a 5-pound profit. Australia is 11/10 to take the series with a draw priced at 2/1 and an England Ashes victory at 9/4.

"With the outcome of the series guaranteed to remain undecided until the final match, the oddsmaker said it expects to take another 10 million pounds in bets…"