SOC: British bookies fearing Kirkland 'copy-cat' bets

AAP Sports News (Australia), August, 2006

> AAP Sports News (Australia) 08-18-2006 SOC: British bookies fearing Kirkland 'copy-cat' bets LONDON, Aug 17 AFP - A British bookmaker said today it was fearing a wave of 'copy-cat' bets on children becoming sporting heroes as it paid out a small fortune after goalkeeper Chris Kirkland made his England debut. William Hill paid out almost 10,000 pounds ($A24,500) to the on-loan Wigan stopper's father after Kirkland was sent on for the second half of England's 4-0 win over Greece in Manchester on Wednesday. Kirkland senior had placed a bet some 10 years ago at odds of 100/1 that his son would play for England before the age of 30. Now bookies are worried that the payout will attract similar bets that could eventually cost them dearly. "We...

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