It may be known to punters as Cartoon Betting but there was nothing make believe about the miraculous £18,700 winnings scooped by one lucky gambler at a Douglas betting shop recently.
The man, who is in his 40s and lives in Douglas, did not wish to be identified but is a regular customer at the Jennings book makers in Ridgeway Street where he placed an £18 stake on a virtual horse race.
Sid Cunningham, general manager for Jennings said: ‘It was a combination bet to predict first, second and third placed finishers in a virtual horse race – the 4.53 at Copella Park – and we believe this is the largest ever pay out in the island on virtual racing.’
Odds on the three finishers were 20-1, 14-1 and 16-1, and the final total included a £6,000 bonus for predicting not just the first three but their correct finishing order.
‘It’s astonishing to win so much on what are essentially cartoons. We had to pay the money by cheque as we didn’t have cash on hand,’ Mr Cunningham added.
‘He knew it was going to be quite a big pay out but I don’t think he realised just how much it actually was.
‘It was certainly a reaction of great joy when I telephoned to confirm it with him, I could hear him shouting in the background. I don’t think he would have made it into work the next day. It may not be life-changing but it would certainly make it a bit happier.’