What were the most bet on sporting events in 2014
Football, rugby, golf, cycling - no matter what sport you've been following, 2014 has been a scintillating year. It's been one for people to get involved in too, with the high stakes and great odds adding to the excitement of major international tournaments and games.
From June, the world watched avidly as their representative teams met and duked it out at the highest stage. 2014's FIFA World Cup saw Germany rise triumphantly to eventually beat Argentina in a thrilling final by a goal to nothing. Although many had pegged host nation Brazil to storm the competition, the German team all but annihilated the Brazilians on their way to reaching the final by an almost effortless seven goals to one, making for one of the most remarkable games of football in recent years - and making anyone who'd been lucky enough to bet on the 500-1 odds deliriously happy in the process. Spain and Argentina also went into the competition among the favourites to win, though ultimately neither side showed much of a challenge.
A little earlier in the year, Ireland's men in green had beat out their competition to win the RBS Six Nations and claim their 12th title. Arguably one of the most iconic rugby players of recent years, the victory was a crowning achievement and brilliant exit for Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll. Runners-up England will go into next year's competition as favourites however, with odds currently at 15/8. Ireland are a close second, and the games being played in the interim will doubtless see some reshuffling; for fans feeling lucky, it would be wise to keep an eye on the live betting odds for football, horse racing and many other sports. The RBS Six Nations is the perfect precursor for the World Cup too, the champions more often than not being predicted favourites in the subsequent tournament.
From the 23rd July to early August, Glasgow came out in style to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The plethora of sports on show provided something for everyone, and it was estimated that a billion people tuned in to watch the opening ceremony alone.
In golf, Europe claimed an emphatic victory over their American counterparts in September's Ryder Cup played at Gleneagles. Truly world class performances were on display over the course of the week's playing, culminating in the overall score of Europe's 16 1/2 to USA's 11 1/2 total.
The Tour de France this year saw its early stages in parts of Yorkshire, 'God's own country' almost outshining the exhilarating riding. It was the 101st Tour, eventually won by Vincenzo Nibali, who'd led for 18 of the total 21 days.
A spectacular year in every sense of the word, 2014 set high standards for all such sporting events - and fans will hope the trend continues for the next iteration of both national and international tournaments and competitions. Whoever your favourite might be, enjoy online betting at William Hill the home of betting, and may the odds land in your favour.