SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Payment processing firm Worldpay is predicting a “Wager Wednesday” ahead of England’s semi-final clash with Croatia, with the Three Lions’ winning streak sending the UK into a betting frenzy.
Gareth Southgate’s boys are on the cusp of glory moving into the match, and Worldpay’s analysis of consumer spending suggests that wagering will far surpass that seen in previous rounds.
A closer look at gambling trends during England’s knockout matches found:
- Football fans bet big on England’s clash with Colombia. Online betting volumes surged by 29% ahead of the game, compared to the previous Tuesday, while the value of bets increased by 38% – suggesting that fans are putting their money where their mouths are.
- Betting peaked just one minute before the start of the game, with secondary spikes occurring at the end of the 90 minutes, and just before the penalty shootout.
- Gambling before England vs Sweden peaked on Friday 6th June, with online betting volumes up by 24% week-on-week. Fans were likely getting their bets in early, with the other quarter-final matches generating a lot of interest too.
Commenting on the recent frenzy of betting, Daniel Belda, VP Growth – Digital Content & Gambling at Worldpay said: “It’s been a huge week for Britain’s bookmakers, with England’s good form sparking a flutter frenzy on everything from the Golden Boot to golden goals.
“As the nation packs into pubs to roar on the Three Lions during the team’s biggest match in nearly 30 years, we are expecting mobile betting to soar, with fans taking a punt from the comfort of their bar stool or beer garden.
“Bookies should therefore be prepared for the flurry of last-minute wagers before the start of the match, and at the end of the 90 minutes if the game goes to extra time.”
