Bookies Already Paying Out On A No Vote !

[mikey4444]

Strange story from Betfair :::

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29232538

This Bookie is so sure that the NO camp will win, they have already paid out on some bets, BEFORE the result of the referendum is known ! Am I the only one that finds that amazing and not a little puzzling ? Do Bookies normally pay out before the horse has romped home. Decidedly odd.

[Jomlett]

Publicity stunt, Mikey.

[kvalidir]

What Jom said.

[mikey4444]

Well, if you say so. But it still seems odd to me, and unprecedented.

[Svejk]

its certainly not unprecedented. think Betfred and Man utd.

[Jomlett]

How else will that company get their name on ALL the news outlets for free? It would cost them a fortune that OfCom wouldn't allow anyway.

[jno]

cost them more of a fortune if they're wrong

[mikey4444]

I agree with jno here.

Another thing that occurred to me is that by paying out before the race is over, couldn't they be accused of influencing the actual vote ? If people see that the Bookies, usually so hard-nosed and not in the least bit emotional over these kind of matters, are saying that the NO camp will win, couldn't that make people either vote NO or not vote at all ?

Still seems odd to me.

[Jomlett]

You could say the same about opinion polls, Mikey.

[ToraToraTora]

Well the thing is that Betfair is not a bookmaker as such they just put layers and players in touch and it's all reversable. This is however a bold statement from a gambling institution and as we know they are seldom wrong. They will look a bit silly if they are wrong but I think they are right. Common sense will prevail, even in Scotland.

[Gromit]

As Svejk said.

This is not unprecedented.

I do not think the vote is as close as some people fear.

[ToraToraTora]

It could also encourage the yes vote Mikey, people hate to be taken for granted, remember Kinnochio 1992?

[taichiperson]

where are they located? I get the feeling that south of the border that we can't beleive they'll say no. From North of the Border - I'm pretty sure they will be paying out on yes!

[Gromit]

In March this year, BetFred refunded anyone who had put a bet on Man Utd winning the Premier League.

// The gesture will cost the Salford-born Reds-supporting millionaire bookmaker £200,000.

The Betfred founder told the Manchester Evening News: “These loyal fans never had a chance of winning with United. This season the Reds have been useless, hopeless and meaningless.

“Anyone who has a bet on United winning the title need only take their slip to any shop and I will refund every penny. //

Good publicity.

[RATTER15]

If you are still undecided...... https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152352075769327

[Old_Geezer]

It's almost as if they are trying to goad those north of the border to vote Yes in spite ? Shouldn't be allowed. Too important a decision for that sort of thing.

[Cloverjo]

That was brilliant, RATTER.

[Jomlett]

where are they located

HammerSmith!

[-Talbot-]

TTT
Well the thing is that Betfair is not a bookmaker as such they just put layers and players in touch and it's all reversable


Betfair is both a bookmaker and an Exchange , from the article

'The early payout only applies to Betfair's sportsbook operation where the firm sets the odds itself. It doesn't apply to its online exchange where customers bet against each other.'

[agchristie]

Mikey, one of your favourite discussion points is the Eurovision Song Contest! (joke!). In 1995, Norway were 50/1 to win and there were quite a few takers despite their dreadful record. You can guess the rest!

Bookies don't often get it wrong and I think Betfair are safe to pay out.