It’s all about the New Royal Baby
Check novelty bets and royal specials are all about the new royal baby right now. Even prior to the official announcement, bookies were taking bets on Harry and Megan having a baby. In fact, 6 months before the pregnancy was revealed, bookies slashed odds of another royal baby from 2/1 to even money. When the pregnancy was announced by Kensington Palace, bookies quickly opened up their books for those who enjoy a royal punt. Pretty much all variables of royal baby betting are now covered. The biggest buzz surrounds the name. Yet there are a variety of odds available including the date of birth, the baby’s weight, and even the possibility of twins.
Betting on Royal Baby Name
When it comes to royal baby betting, it is the sex and name that instantly becomes a main topic of interest. Will it be a bouncing baby boy or girl? Most bookies are offering odds of 10/11 on either outcome. Once the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had announced they were expecting a child, bookmakers began to offer odds for royal baby name betting, with the most popular choices being Victoria, Albert, Arthur and Phillip.
Yet Diana quickly became a popular choice with bettors who expect the baby will be named in honour of Prince Harry’s late mother. Within the space of a couple of days, bookies began to slash the odds. Ladbrokes had the odds of Diana at 16/1, which was quickly cut to 12/1 following the flurry of bets on the name.
“Money talks, and royal punters seriously believe Harry and Meghan could name their firstborn Diana. However, should the Duchess give birth to a little boy, Thomas is the lively outsider at present.” Jessica Bridge, Ladbrokes
Harry’s child will become 7th in line for the throne, meaning it is unlikely he or she will ever become the monarch. This opens up an interesting angle on the name the couple will choose. There will be less expectation to opt for a traditional name, giving them more freedom when it comes to their decision. Meghan’s American roots could possibly influence the choice of name. William Hill are even offering odds of 50/1 on Thomas, after the duchess’s estranged father.
See what the bookies consider to be the most popular name choices. These are the current odds for the royal baby name at a selection of operators. All odds are correct at time of publishing:
| Paddy Power | Ladbrokes | William Hill | BetVictor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diana 8/1 | Diana 10/1 | Diana 10/1 | Diana 6/1 |
| Alice 13/1 | Alice 12/1 | Alice 12/1 | Alice 12/1 |
| Arthur 11/1 | Phillip 10/1 | Arthur 12/1 | Althur 12/1 |
| Victoria 14/1 | Victoria 8/1 | Victoria 14/1 | Elizabeth 14/1 |
| James 14/1 | Albert 10/1 | Alexandra 16/1 | James 12/1 |
The odds are likely to change as the birth date draws closer, and particularly after the baby has actually been born. Although, it is not always the bookie’s or the punter’s opinion of the most popular names that come through. When Prince William and Kate’s third child was born in April, the favourites were Arthur, Alexander and Albert. Louis was actually the 10th most popular choice with punters, with odds as high as 20/1 following the birth of the prince.
Royal Baby Due Date Betting
We know from the announcement that the new royal baby is due in Springtime 2019. Yet you can bet on the specifics of when the baby will be born. Different bookmakers offer different markets for royal baby due date betting. Ladbrokes, for instance, are offering even odds on a morning birth (00:00 – 11:59), followed by an evening birth (18:00 – 23:59 pm) at 2/1 and an afternoon birth (12:00 – 17:59) at 5/2. BetVictor, on the other hand, are offering odds of 22/1 for what hour the baby will be born, or 10/11 on either an AM or PM birth. Paddy Power also offer 11/2 odds on the day of the birth as well as odds for the month the baby is born.
Odds for Royal Twins
There have never been any twins in the royal family, and the odds reached as high as 5/1 that Meghan would have multiple births. However, in the last weekend of November bookies reportedly slashed odds to evens then suspended bets altogether following a flurry of bets. A spokesperson for Paddy Power explained that the increased flow of bets over the small period of time suggested that a punter or an insider source had more information than the bookies. Will there be double trouble at the Palace?
Alternative Royal Baby Bets
Whilst markets for betting on the royal baby name and due date can typically be found at many operators, you can always rely on Paddy Power to throw something a little more quirky into the mix. The bookie is renowned for their sense of fun, and bizarre betting options. True to their style, they have created some royal baby betting markets that are a little more humorous. One such cheeky bet is the hair colour; will the baby be dark-haired like its mother? Or will we welcome another ginger-nut like its dad? There are also a string of bets that pit the last royal baby, Prince Louis against his soon-to-be-born cousin. Who will get married first? Who will get the highest GCSE score? Who will go bald first? They offer odds on all eventualities. Just don’t expect a quick return on those bets, you will be waiting a fair few years to see if you guessed right!
A Busy Year for Royal Bets
The Royal family are a British institution that we Brits love to bet on. Over previous years we’ve had countless opportunities for a spot of royal betting. When baby Sussex was merely a twinkle in his daddy’s eye, you could bet on if and when the golden couple would get married. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have also provided plenty of betting opportunities, with their own marriage and 3 royal heirs born to their family.
In a monumental year for the royal family, punters rushed to place bets on all topics related to Harry and Megan’s wedding. From the dress designer to the weather on the big day, bookies offered plenty of markets in response to the royal wedding fever sweeping the nation. Prince Louis’ arrival brought all the usual royal baby betting opportunities. And in the year that Prince Charles celebrated his milestone 70th birthday, bookies also slashed the odds, then suspended betting on the queen to abdicate by the end of the year.
Royal Betting for 2019
So, looking forward to 2019, what royal bets can we expect to see? Royal Ascot is a highlight of the sporting calendar. The Queen’s love of horses is no secret, and she attends the event every year. Aside from having a flutter on the horses, you will be able to bet on the colour of the queen’s hat. With Princess Eugenie getting married last year, perhaps we will hear the announcement of another new royal baby. Maybe Wills and Kate will add another baby to their family. Needless to say, if it happens in the royal family, you will be able to bet on it!
