Unusual Amount Of Draws In Premier League Over Christmas Helped Bookmakers

A "string of draws" in Premier League football matches over the Christmas period is "expected to have shored up profits at William Hill," according to Sabah Meddings of the SUNDAY TIMES. The bookmaker is "forecast to have paid out less to punters during the festive fixtures and has a number of drawn matches to thank," including a goalless encounter between ManU and Southampton. There were nine draws over Christmas and the new year, compared to two "in the same period a year ago." Horse racing results "also favoured bookmakers." The most high-profile event, the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, was won by favorite Might Bite. The results, to be revealed on Thursday, will be a "welcome boost to the gambling sector," which is "facing a shake-up" amid the government's crackdown on fixed-odds betting terminals (SUNDAY TIMES, 1/14).