Bookmakers are starting to get excited ahead of the Olympic Games with a number of firms delighted with how things are going so far. BetVictor is one firm that is already doing fairly well after they layed a bet of £25,000 on Spain to win the football gold medal. Spokesperson Charlie McCann explained they were “happy” to do so and it seems their confidence wasn’t dumbfounded after all with Spain being humbled 1-0 by Japan.
McCann also told CalvinAyre.com: “Punting on football, athletics, swimming and some of the bigger events like basketball will be big if not on a Euro 2012 scale but the timing of the events is perfect for our customers and potential customers.”
Mark Pearson from Betfred added to the general good feeling surrounding Olympic betting, when he revealed to CalvinAyre.com: “Olympic betting has already exceeded expectations and we’ve taken some decent bets. There are far more markets available than ever before and the patriotic punter is loving our special GB bets. GB for us at the moment stands for Great Betting. Let the games begin!”
Poker’s place at the Olympic Games seems to have been secured as infamous Lithuanian player Tony G tweeted that he’ll be part of the Opening Ceremony later tonight. The PartyPoker Pro said earlier: “I’ve moved into the Olympic village, marching with Lithuania on the opening ceremony. Go Lithuania!”
Europe’s sports books have promised to void any Olympic bets if asked to by the UK Gambling Commission. The European Sports Security Association (ESSA) says that along with its members they are working very closely with the Commission and International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make sure the games are free of any betting irregularities or accusations of fixing. ESSA secretary general Khalid Ali added: “ESSA and our members will make sure that everything possible is done to make sure that the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games are free from corruption and match fixing. We are all looking forward to a tremendous sporting competition that will be enjoyed by millions around the world.”
ESSA’s members are being encouraged to report any bets they think may have come from IOC accredited individuals and a 24 hour reporting service is in the place to allow this to happen.
