Sport is made for betting

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.

And they're not the only European bookmaker sniffing around in Aus either according to rumours. ...Paddy Power, with 245 outlets throughout Ireland and the UK, has established an office in Australia and its senior executives will be in Melbourne this week. Read the full article here

Well at least if you have a local licence.... In news that was expected by most of the industry, the NSW and Victorian governments have backed down and admitted that their advertising restrictions on Australian licensed betting firms from other states were unconstitutional. Rumours have been rife in recent weeks that European bookmakers such as PaddyPower and Ladbrokes have been sniffing around as well for a licence. The Aussie wagering landscape has changed forever in favour of the punter. Article from the side of the those poor suffering corporate giants the TABS here . All I can say to them is boohoo, you've screwed the punter for long enough with your repeatedly-failing websites, and a monopoly on off-course betting outlets, now it's time to face competition.