“It’s coming home” fever has well and truly gripped the nation off the back of England’s nail-biting win against Columbia in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.Marking the first time England has ever won a World Cup penalty shootout, and going a lot way to erase much of the pain caused by shootouts in the past, all eyes are on the quarter final against Sweden this Saturday.Bookmakers have a big grin on their faces going into the weekend, as along with World Cup action, there’s also the three other big events to tempt gamblers into having a flutter.
Previous Big Week
It’s been a bumper summer for bookmakers, as just a few weeks ago two England group matches happened in the same week as Royal Ascot, with estimates saying up to £500 million could’ve been spent that week, although the official numbers are yet to have been made public.However, it is possible that this weekend, £200 million could be bet in a couple of days alone, and if England go through to the semi-finals, that can only be expected to rise further.
Other events
Whatever sport you may be into, there’s likely to be something that will appeal to you this weekend.Motorsport fans in the UK have their most exciting weekend of the year as the British Grand Prix takes place, while fans of the horses can enjoy a bet on the Coral Eclipse Stakes.Obviously, another huge British sporting event is occurring simultaneously in the shape of Wimbledon, so it is no surprise that Nicole McGeady, head of racing PR at Ladbrokes, speculated in a press release published by The Gambling Times that there could be “record turnover” this weekend as the UK’s eyes are on Russia, and various other exciting sporting events.