Sport is made for betting

Of all the markets that could as bad taste, surely this takes the cake. Paddy Power were taking bets on which Anfield footballer would be burgled next. As if you need to provide incentives for Scouser criminals! Liverpool condemn Paddy Power bets on player burglaries After furious protests from fans and Liverpool FC, Paddy Power initially defended the bets as "tongue-in-cheek fun", but the online bookmaker has now agreed to suspend betting. On Wednesday a Liverpool spokesperson described the bookmaker's stunt as "completely tasteless and disgraceful." Bear in mind here, that Paddy Power were the official betting partner of Liverpool FC as well. Until today that is, when their agreement expires with a sour conclusion. It is believed that Betfair will be taking over 'official betting partner' status, adding to their blue-chip partners of Barcelona and Manchester United, all signed this season.

This is just a ridiculous publicity stunt by Paddy Power. I'd hope it backfires on them, but then it will actually turn out better for them. Nobody outside of Manchester had ever heard of Fred Done before he famously paid out on Man Utd winning the title back in 1997/98 before Arsenal won the title. The free publicity from this stunt (and also limited risk - what Mancunian would ever place a bet on Arsenal to win the title?) went worldwide, now Fred has shops all over the UK plus a thriving website. The PR value of paying out twice far exceeds the cost of two liabilities. Bookie pays out on United treble I could understand them paying out on the title - a bold, but calculated move. Paying out on the two Cups as well is riding the publicity train as badly as those washed-up has-beens or never-wazs on the celebrity reality show circuit.