Betting on the Royal Baby

The British are a betting people, with bookmakers opening a market on almost anything one can imagine – from live football and horse racing results to whether it will snow on Christmas day. But in the UK, nothing fascinates both the public and the punters (bettors) alike than the royal family.

(Speaking of things royal, Royal Ascot betting is practically a tradition and a national event in the same vein as Wimbledon and the Henley Regatta.)

Nonstop action for top UK bookies

The recent announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton (the Duchess of Cambridge) were expecting their first child has been a boon for the UK’s top betting agencies. Ladbrokes has released a market on the baby’s name (Elizabeth is the 8/1 odds-on favourite for a girl, John or Charles 10/1 for a boy). William Hill has announced that it’s paying out a five-figure amount to those who bet on a royal baby being born in 2013 (people have actually started betting since after the royal wedding).

And Paddy Power is taking bets on a myriad of items. Not just the baby’s name, gender, and birthday, but also:

• The chance of multiple births – twins 8/1 triplets, 100/1, quadruplets 500/1
• Baby’s weight – 5 pounds or less 5/1, 6 pounds to 6 pounds and 15 ounces 7/2
• Baby’s godfather – Prince Harry at evens

William Hill is taking bets for:

• Baby’s hair colour – brown 6/4, blonde 2/1, black 5/2, ginger 8/1
• Baby becoming Vogue cover girl before age 18 33/1
• Baby becoming pro soccer star 1000/1

Additionally, William Hill is challenging the public to correctly predict the following:

• Date of baby’s birth – offering 250/1
• Day of the week of baby’s birth – offering 6/1

The latest speculations: David Beckham to the royal godfather 25/1. Twins odds just moved from 33/1 to 25/1

Indeed, royal betting is the Brits’ favourite pastime. So if you’ve got money to spare, start indulging – join the royal betting frenzy!