Betting buzz grips city even before World Cup kicks off

Kolkata: The parliamentary elections gave them a windfall and the exit polls helped their cause. Now, with the World Cup kicking off on Thursday, the stakes have risen higher. The betting circuit in the city is abuzz with bets on India’s chances and M S Dhoni getting a century against Bangladesh in the warm-up match has only helped the local punter’s cause.
According to sources in Burrabazar, Lake Town and Howrah, India is not the favourite this time. England (5/2) — with the home advantage and results on its side since 2017 — is slightly ahead of Virat Kohli’s men (3/1) and Australia (4/1). England beat the West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka, and tied 2-2 with the West Indies this year. In fact, internationally, England has bids set at 7/2.
The betting, though, is likely to get much more interesting once the tournament begins with Indian captain Virat Kohli and bowler Jasprit Bumrah touted to emerge as the best cricketers. The bets are also stacked for Joe Root of England, and David Warner and Mitchell Starc of Australia.
“It is a long tournament and rates will fluctuate once India plays its first game. At present, we are accepting international rates, too, but soon we will settle for our own rates. As the tournament progresses, we will begin taking bets on who will hit the maximum sixes, the highest runs in an over and the number of extras in an innings. As of now, we are accepting bets for each game. You can expect huge business when India takes on Pakistan,” said a punter.
During the IPL alone, the total number of arrests for betting stood at 13. The police said those arrested included some from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, an indication that the city was deeply entrenched in the pan-Indian betting network. Cops from the Anti Rowdy Squad have started keeping an eye out for gang members at guest houses across Kolkata.
Sources said some 12 apps were being used to place bets and view matches live with the money being transferred online. Many of the apps, like betfair and bet365, are easily available as betting or gambling is legal in several countries. Bets are also being placed about weather conditions, the toss and the man of the match, said the police sources.