UK books claim horse betting up despite World Cup competition

Given that the current narrative surrounding horse racing is one of perpetual decline, it’s something of a surprise to hear some UK bookmakers report that phone and internet betting on last week’s Royal Ascot action was actually up over the previous year. That’s doubly impressive considering the fact that there was no World Cup last year competing for punter’s pound notes. In fact, the World Cup may be helping to introduce bettors to the notion that French footballers aren’t the only big dumb animals on which you can wager. Read more.