SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Following Monday’s release of the official Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens’ trailer, which sent social media into ‘hyperspace’, bookmaker Ladbrokes has placed odds of 6/4 on Lucas Films latest saga instalment to become the highest grossing film of all time.
In order to make history, Star Wars Episode VII will have to break James Cameron’s Avatar which recorded box office takings of $2.78 billion in 2009.
“Money talks, and punters are awake to the fact it’s a real possibility the latest Star Wars episode can surpass Avatar in the records books,” said Jessica Bridge, Public Relations Manager for Ladbrokes.
At present, the majority of UK bookmakers agree that Disney backed Start Wars VII (2/1) will top the 2015 worldwide box office which is currently led by Universal’s ‘Jurassic World’, which grossed $1.65 billion to date.
Competitor Paddy Power has opened a special over/under prop market on Star Wars VII total worldwide box office takings set at $1.8 billion (by June 2016), with the bookmaker paying even money on the under outcome.
Star Wars Episode VII opens in UK cinemas on December 16
