Ladbrokes – Bookmakers face £5m Russia 2018 goalfest torpedo

Entering the last round of FIFA World Cup group matches, UK bookmakers fear a ‘significant payout should Russia 2018’s goalfest continue’.

The tournament has broken the record for the longest stretch of games at a World Cup without a goalless (0-0) draw.

Thus far 32 Russia 2018 matches have been played featuring 85 goals (ratio – 2.6 goals per match). By previous standards, Russia 2018 may not be a high scoring World Cup, but the tournament is yet to deliver bookmakers a 0-0 draw.

Issuing a Russia 2018 update, Ladbrokes details that ‘UK bookmakers stand to lose a staggering £5 million from one special bet taken before the World Cup knockout stages got underway’

According to Ladbrokes, prior to the start of the tournament, the majority of UK bookmakers had priced 40/1 for ‘a goal to be scored in every Russia 2018 group game’.

Yet to play host to a 0-0 draw, UK bookmakers stand to payout a combined £5 million should Russia 2018’s goal-per-game trend continue.

Commenting on World Cup markets, Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “We shot ourselves in the foot offering 40/1 for a goal to be scored in every group match so now we’re praying for a 0-0 in any of the next 16 games to avoid a hefty payout before a ball has been kicked in the business end of the tournament!”