Ladbrokes: Single Match Betting Is Popular

Betting firm claims punters like to put their cash on single sports matches so their money is not tied up for a whole tournament.

There is more of a trend among punters for single-match sports betting, as opposed to staking money on who will win tournaments and series, according to a Ladbrokes.

Nick Weinberg, a spokesperson for the bookmaker, has explained that big bets for outright sports tournament victories are still common, but people generally do not like to tie up their money in long-term bets.

He explained the situation, commenting specifically on cricket and the Test series between England and South Africa which starts this morning.

"At the start of the summer we might have seen people fancy England much more than South Africa or a draw and put their money where their mouth is, but your average punter is much more inclined to put their money on match betting than a series," said Mr Weinberg.

England's confidence ahead of the first Test is perhaps emphasised by the fact that they have named an unchanged team for the sixth time in a row - the first time this has ever happened.