if only betting was this easy

[brockguy]

the bookmakers Paddy Power decided that they would pay out on an Irish win in the rugby a day early, before the match has even taken place. They are also paying out on Ireland winning the Triple Crown (they'd have to win tomorrow and against Scotland). Once you placed the bet with them before today, you can go in and collect.

This happens a few times with bookmakers trying to gain publicity, but usually it happens when events are long odds on, say 1-6 or shorter. Once or twice, they have got it wrong..


taken from sportinglife.com
In an unprecedented vote of confidence in the Irish team, who have been well backed in recent days as England's injury concerns mount up, Paddy Power will reward anyone who put their money where their mouth was with a bet on Ireland before 6am on Friday.

Over 6,000 of their customers will benefit to the tune of nearly £350,000 from the early payout and many are expected to re-invest their winnings on the exact same bet again.

One customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, will collect a whopping 110,000 Euros after placing 40,000 Euros on Ireland to win the Triple Crown at 7/4.

Paddy Power are still taking bets on the match and are offering 9/4 for an England win. Ireland have shortened to red hot 1/3 favourites to win the match and 4/7 to land the Triple Crown.

Paddy Power said: "We reckon Ireland are certainties to beat England and Scotland don't count so as I see it we've already won both the match and the Triple Crown - why should punters have to wait until Saturday evening to collect?

"This is our way of getting right behind the Irish team - if our customers have any sense they'll take their early winnings and put it all back on Ireland!"