Each and every week, thousands of punters put on accumulators with extremely high odds in the hope that they would win big.
These bets almost always end in failure. But not always.
Last week, Janus ‘George’ Wagonback tried his luck and decided to place a 10-fold accumulator with Betfred.
The 85-year-old placed 3p on 10 games from across the world ending in a draw. The odds of it coming in were nearly 90,000/1.
The games he bet on were: Millwall vs Preston, Wimbledon vs Cheltenham, Bradford vs Leyton Orient, Colchester vs Rochdale, Swindon vs Crawley, Dundee vs Dundee United, Hibernian vs Hearts, Ross County vs Aberdeen, St Mirren vs Motherwell and Lebanon- vs Iraq.
Incredibly, each and every game ended in a draw and the bet came in. He ended up winning £2,686.04. That is believed to be a record, with no one at the company able to recall someone winning so much from such a small stake.
Speaking to Betfred after his win, the 85-year-old said: “I always go for draws because that’s how matches begin. It’s what you start with – and in Scotland there always seems to be more draws.
“I’ve had some significant wins on the football over the years, much bigger than this one. But then again, I usually bet more than 3p which is basically loose change that I had in my pocket.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Ched Evans of Preston North End battles for possession with Jake Cooper of Millwall during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Preston North End at The Den on February 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Getty Images)
“I took about two hours studying the fixtures and left it late to get to the shop to get my bet on because the Lebanon game kicked off at noon. I was confident the Scottish games would all be draws, as they often are up there.
“I didn’t know I’d won, until I checked the paper the next day. I did feel good, but can’t jump around much these days – only little jumps!
“I look after myself, and eat a lot of wheat germ and sardines two or three times a week. For breakfast, I have ground nuts and dried fruits.
“My family will get some of the money. I haven’t really treated myself as I’m happy as I am exercising – and eating and drinking whatever I want at any time that suits me.”
Betfred boss Fred said: “George, a Betfred regular for years has my heartfelt congratulations.
“I’ve been in this business for over 50 years, and cannot remember anyone winning so much from just three pence. It is a truly remarkable win, with him beating odds of virtually 90,000/1.”
Fair play to George. What a bet.