Odds on for 8-legged freak

The TAB are calling it their ‘Paul the Octopus Special’ as they open a book for this now world-famous octopus to make its pick for the final of the 2010 Football World Cup.

Paul is currently located at the Oberhausen Sea Life Aquarium in Germany and has been picking the outcomes of Germany’s games at the tournament - and so far has not been wrong. His latest pick, that Spain will beat Germany in the semi-final this morning, fulfilled his prophecy – to German football fans’ dismay.

Gary Pearn, Senior Football Bookmaker, believes this betting option will strike a chord with people from a wide-cross section of society.

“We are offering special betting options like the ‘Paul Special’ for people to get excited and participate in betting on the final game of the tournament. It is great for punters who may not know the technical side of football or haven’t followed a team since the All Whites’ departure. So far, Paul has proven that he is right on the money.”

If Paul’s pick wins the TAB is paying $1.75, and if Paul’s pick doesn’t win it will pay $2.00. This slippery squid is bound to cause some intense anticipation for Monday morning’s final.

Another special betting option being run by the TAB leading up to the final is whether the All Whites will be the only unbeaten team at the 2010 Football World Cup. ‘Yes’ is currently paying $1.57, and ‘No’ is paying $2.35. For the All Whites’ sake, Spain will need to win the final as they lost to Switzerland in the group stages, while the Netherlands remains unbeaten.

Special bet options are a growing phenomenon among punters worldwide, and bookies overseas predict that the 2010 Football World Cup will be the biggest-ever betting event.

www.tab.co.nz