Punters make tracks to bet on tram works

Published on Thursday 25 March 2010 09:05

DOZENS of bets have flooded into city bookies after odds were chalked up for the city's tram project.

Long-suffering residents have decided to have a flutter after the Evening News revealed this week some of the unusual punts available.

So far the most popular bets, ranging from a tenner up to three-figure sums, have been on 20/1 odds that the world famous Barcelona church – the Sagrada Familia – will be finished before the tram project; even though it is not due to be complete before 2026.

And many have also wagered that trams will not be running after 2015.

The outside bets still seem to be those in favour of the tram project. William Hill has offered a 4/1 stake that the tram project will be completed on time, and 25/1 on it being completed to its budget of 545 million.

Graham Sharpe, communications manager for William Hill, said the company was enjoying business from disgruntled residents.

He said: "We've had an astounding amount of bets in our shops, on the phones and on the internet, from Edinburgh and elsewhere.

"To be honest, we were taken aback at the enormous level of public interest in these odds. Perhaps this will lead to a whole new strand of business, betting on public projects to be finished on time and under budget – or not.

"We're already offering odds of 16/1 that the Olympic Stadium will not be ready in time for the 2012 Games.

"Who knows what'll come next. We will consider other tram bets that are proposed to us, though."

He added: "The gentleman who wrote to us complaining about the project and offering to bet a four-figure sum hasn't placed a bet yet, but we've written back and we're waiting."

Edinburgh residents have a large choice on their tram-related bets. Other bets on offer include the 3/1 odds that the tram project will be entirely scrapped, 2/1 that costs will total more than 1 billion, 6/4 on chief executive Richard Jeffrey resigning before 2010 is out and 1/5 on the suggestion that the full line will not be built. Tram chief Mr Jeffrey has suggested that he is willing to have a flutter, but it looks like he has not made it down the bookies yet.

William Hill has now confirmed that it intends the tram bets to become a permanent fixture for the foreseeable future, and other bookmakers, including Ladbrokes, have said they will consider running a similar offer.