Leicester on the verge of biggest shock in betting history

Leicester City go into this weekend within touching distance of sealing the Premier League title in which they were 5,000/1 to do so with Britain’s bookmakers before the season got underway, according to leading bookmaker Coral. If successful, it will be the biggest shock in the history of betting, the firm added. Leicester can now be backed at 1/20 ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Sunday, while Tottenham are 10-1 to win the league.

Coral has taken a total of 114 bets on Leicester at odds between 1,000/1 and 3,000/1 and stand to lose just over £2 million if the Foxes win the title. One online customer placed a £10 each-way bet on Leicester at the end of August in which they received odds of 3000/1, they cashed out last week for an offer of £30,000.

“Should Leicester win the Premier League this weekend it will be, by some distance, the biggest upset in the history of betting. It seemed unthinkable to bookmakers at the start of the season that a side which nearly got relegated the year before could then go on to land the Premier League title,” said Coral’s John Hill.

“We’ve taken over 100 bets since the season started at odds of between 3,000/1 and 1,000/1, as well as many more at shorter odds in recent months, leaving us facing a £2 million loss if Leicester defy history and win the league,” added Hill.

Ryan Wallis, a Chelsea fan from Woking, placed £4 on Leicester at 2000/1 on the Coral website on the 16th August. He avoided the temptation to cash out and stands to win £8000 for £4 stake.

He said: “It’s been a memorable ride this season following Leicester. They were playing really well at the start of the season so I thought they were having a few quid on given their long odds.

“If it comes down to the last game of the season when Leicester play Chelsea, I will go against my own team and be a Leicester fan for the day.”

Steve Jeavons is a lifelong Manchester City fan and he put a £2 bet online on Leicester at 2000/1 on the 20th August. The 55-year old cashed-out his bet on Tuesday for £3700.

He said: “I still think Leicester will win the title but I wanted to take the stress away going into the final three games of the season.

“They made some really good signings in the summer and after seeing them make a good start, I felt they were a good bet at the odds.”

Coral has produced a list of the biggest betting shocking in history and none of them come to the 5000/1 on offer on Leicester winning the Premier League back in August.

American golfer Ben Curtis was 300/1 to win The Open Championship in 2013 before his success at Muirfield, Goran Ivanisevic could be backed at 250/1 to win Wimbledon in 2001 in which he did so as a qualifier, while in 1990, 42/1 shot Buster Douglas stunned the world when he beat Mike Tyson for the world heavyweight titles.

The firm has also produced a list of 5000/1 shots which helps put Leicester’s potential achievement into context. Northern Ireland are 5000/1 chance to win the World Cup in 2018 and Coral would also offer the same odds if a customer wanted to back Justin Bieber to become the American President one day.

Coral is already betting on the 2016/17 Premier League campaign in which Leicester are 33-1 to win the title, they are 8-1 to finish in the top four, 20-1 to be relegated and 100-1 to win the Champions League next season.

**Three Coral customers who are happy to do publicity should Leicester win the title

Ryan Wallis, a 29 year old Chelsea fan from Woking, put £4 on Leicester City at 2,000/1 on the Coral website on 16th August.

Steve Jeavons, a 55 year old Food buyer from Manchester, and a passionate Manchester City fan, had £2 on Leicester at 2,000/1 at the end of August.

Stuart McLaren, a 44 year old from Liverpool, and fan of Liverpool FC, put £1 on Leicester at 1,000/1 on 1st November.

**2016-17 Premier League season –Coral bet

13-8 Manchester City, 7-2 Arsenal, 5 Chelsea, 7 Tottenham, 15-2 Liverpool, Manchester United, 33 Leicester, 150 Bar.

**Leicester 2016-17 odds

8-1 Top four finish

20-1 To be relegated

100-1 to win the Champions League

**Biggest betting shocks in sport

300/1 Golf: Ben Curtis winning The 2003 Open

250/1 Horse Racing: Equinoctial winning at Kelso on the 21st November, 1990 – biggest priced winner in the horse racing history

250/1 Tennis: Goran Ivanisevic winning Wimbledon 2001

150/1 Football: Greece winning Euro 2004

150/1 Snooker: Joe Johnson winning the 1986 Snooker World Championship

100/1 Horse Racing: Foinavon winning the 1967 Grand National

100/1 Politics: Jeremy Corbyn winning the Labour 2015 Leader Election

66/1 Rugby: Japan beating South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 2015

42/1 Boxing: Buster Douglas beating Mike Tyson in 1990

**Other 5000/1 shots

5000/1 Northern Ireland to win the 2018 World Cup

5000/1 Justin Bieber to one day be President of the USA

ENDS

Further contact information:

John Hill 07889 645520