Worldpay notes 18% spike in Champions League final betting

Online bookies are on track for a bumper week’s trading, as excitement builds in the run-up to this year’s UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, according to payment processing company Worldpay.

The firm’s analysis of gambling data from last year’s showdown between Real Madrid and Juventus revealed an 18% spike in online gambling activity compared to an average weekend, as football fans across Europe had a flutter on the biggest game in club football.

Spanish punters were among the biggest bettors, depositing 44% more than an average weekend; and with a payout ratio higher than any other European country, Madrid fans were set up to celebrate their team’s victory in style.

While last year’s Champions League final sparked a 17% surge in betting activity among UK cardholders, Worldpay are predicting an even greater uplift for bookmakers this year, as the prospect of a home team in the final attracts even more interest from both dedicated Liverpool supporters and neutral fans alike.

Commenting on the data, James McGurn, Vice-President of Growth, Digital Content & Gaming at Worldpay, said: “Saturday’s match kicks off what is set to be a busy summer of sport for Britain’s bookies, with the FIFA World Cup, Royal Ascot and Ryder Cup capturing the interest of fans across Europe. In the fast-paced sports betting industry, speed is crucial, with online traffic dramatically spiking during major fixtures and finals.

“This is particularly true for football, which is perfectly suited to in-play betting. Whether placing a wager on the final score, or the next goal, punters want their online gambling experience to be seamless and slick.

“In order to cope with high-volume events such as the world cup, operators need to be able to process hundreds of payments per second, and a slick and seamless mobile experience for punters who want to get their eyes back on the game.”


Source: SBC News