UK Bookies in Favor of Remaining in the EU

On Thursday, June 23rd, UK citizens will decide whether or not their country should remain in the EU or go its own sweet way. With just a couple of days left before the referendum takes place, opinion polls seem to indicate that the outcome will be too close to call, with some suggesting the contest is currently as close as 56.7 percent in favor of remaining.
Despite likely going all the way to the wire, the bookies are still favoring the remain campaign and offering odds of 1/4, compared to 3/1 for those favoring ‘Brexit’. In the meantime, the event is fast shaping up to become the country’s most wagered-upon political event ever, with more than a total of $20 million expected to be bet at the bookies. As William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe explains:
“We are expecting to see a big flurry of betting on Thursday, that’s what happened in the Scottish independence referendum.”
One person not waiting until the last-minute to place a bet, however, is the leader of the UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, who has apparently already staked £1,000 of his own money on the UK abandoning the EU. While a solid sum, former poker pro and now Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Tony G, has decided to up the stakes somewhat and offer Farage a £1 million bet that the UK will vote to remain a part of Europe.
As well as promoting his own political wishes, Tony G’s offer also has the added benefit of diverting attention towards his online sportsbook, TonyBet, meaning the canny Lithuanian-Australian businessman is doing a good job of covering all bases with his outlandish bet. It also gives an insight into the mind of one of the most talented poker players of his generation, who currently has almost $5 million in winnings to his name.