I'm in two minds about this Eugene. Apparently 16 people know the result and have signed disclosures. Believe that if you want. The cynical half of me is online bookies trying to maintain a profile now they are snookered.

Bet365's owner Denise Coates pocketed £325m. last year. Start there.

velvet donkey posted:

I'm in two minds about this Eugene. Apparently 16 people know the result and have signed disclosures. Believe that if you want. The cynical half of me is online bookies trying to maintain a profile now they are snookered.

 

Bet365's owner Denise Coates pocketed £325m. last year. Start there.

Yeah; I know what you mean, Velvet. My initial reaction was "Oh dear, no.", and with some practical experience of "pseudo-randomness" from way back I have fundamental problems with the notion of gambling on what is ultimately just a computer algorithm. 

That said; my understanding is that the virtual race wasn't originally intended for betting on, and was only meant to provide the TV pundits with a light-hearted talking-point before the real thing. There's definitely an argument that the "charity donation" line is a bit of a sop (and one that BB's used in the past, too...  ), but I honestly don't think it would have gone ahead without it.

Eugene's Lair posted:

Is anyone-else going to watch this, or even place a bet?

Runners, riders & betting on race to benefit NHS

 

There's a half-hour programme on ITV at 5pm, with the "race" starting at 5.15pm.

 

I appreciate that some FMs aren't keen on the Grand National, but for once there are no real-life horses and jockeys to get hurt. 

Betting stakes are limited to £10 per horse (although they allow £10 each way bets, which would have a total outlay of £20). All profits from betting will go to NHS Charities Together.

https://bettingandgamingcouncil.com/uncategorized/nhs-grandnational/

 

Profits to the NHS is all very well, but who decides the profits?

velvet donkey posted:

I'm in two minds about this Eugene. Apparently 16 people know the result and have signed disclosures. Believe that if you want. The cynical half of me is online bookies trying to maintain a profile now they are snookered.

 

Bet365's owner Denise Coates pocketed £325m. last year. Start there.

Well, the 'race' was only half way through and hubby told me what he'd heard about the result and that's what DID happen, so...….