Its likely to be a betting bonanza for the UK's bookies in this years world cup.

Bookmakers are predicting up to £1 billion in bets this Summer as the UK continues to see a boom in betting - largely thanks to the Internet and the advent of the betting exchange.

Betting turnover has increased from £7 billion in 2000 to about £50 billion as betting choice and platforms expand. The UK punter can now bet in shops, by phone, wireless, TV, internet and PDA - and not only do they bet before an event - they now can bet during it - and the variety has grown from just horse-racing and sports to politics, reality TV and novelty bets

British bookmakers are preparing for up to a billion pounds in bets on the June 9 to July 9 World Cup in Germany, with wagers ranging from whose "Golden Boot" will score most goals in the tournament, to how many corner kicks in a game, and even what haircut England captain David Beckham will sport.

Article: Bookmakers set for billion pound World Cup