YES result will cost bookmakers £10m

Scottish punters will pocket up to £10 million in winnings in the event of a yes result in the referendum according to Ladbrokes. With 70% of bets placed north of the border favouring independence, the betting industry is preparing for a multi-million pound payout should the YES campaign defy the odds.

Despite the confidence in a breakaway as far as the majority of Scottish punters are concerned, large bets continue to roll in for a NO result with £20,000 staked by a customer in London at 1/5 the biggest of several five figure pro-union wagers struck in the run up to polling day.

With a result looming, political punters are also now speculating on the consequences for party leaders in the event of an unfavourable outcome. David Cameron is 4/1 to resign this year while Alex Salmond is 5/1 to hand in his notice within 48 hours of the result.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “If it’s a yes the bookies will definitely be funding the independence parties. Despite the betting continuing to favour a ‘no’ outcome, the vast majority of Scots punters are confident Salmond and co will defy the odds.”