A big part of the four day festival at the home of jumps racing is the gambling that goes beyond that and how much people will stake on their favoured horse.
OpenBet revealed that more than £500 million was spent on bets and that they expect £1 billion to be transferred as we close in on the end of the biggest sporting week in the county.
What is it like however for those who work in one of the biggest gambling companies and the people staking the money who have made their way to the Cotswolds, how much money have they put in?
I’ve had £4,000 at 2/1 to return £12,000 on TEAHUPOO in the Stayers Hurdle.
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) March 13, 2025
Let’s get the champion home boys. #CheltenhamFestival 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xYNCjJ5rAm
Jackie an employee at one of the biggest betting companies Paddy Power compared the stark changes that have to be made from a regular week in Cheltenham to the madness that the festival brings.
“Well usually the shop is pretty steady and usually we only have a couple of staff in however this week we’ve got 55,000 people here in Cheltenham so we’ve got 14 staff, the shop has been buzzing.”
“In the morning we have some great offers so a lot of the racegoers like to go in the morning, get the best price and get the biggest return and then they all go down to the course for 13:00.
“Then come half past five they are all back in the shop coming to get their winnings hopefully, if not a bet on the football so a great atmosphere all round.”
With the popularity of the festival it also brings a different contingent of people, the contrasting ways that they put down their money and the seriousness behind what they are doing.
“I pretty much bet all year round but when it comes to Cheltenham there’s nothing like it, I do a little bit more research, take it more seriously and study the form, every horse that’s going there is going to be there is going to be prepped for this week.
“This week has been a bit different obviously been a lot of upsets, it happens doesn’t it.
“I’ve probably spent about 25 grand so far on betting, but that’s just money I’ve earned from gambling before.”
Hi @SkyBet it appears my account has hacked this morning and multiple bets were placed without my knowledge, could you help me please?
— Wes (@Wesbwfcagain1) March 12, 2025
In contrast another gambler admitted he has very little knowledge of the sport but he enjoys a flutter.
“Only casual, I don’t really understand racing, I just like a pint!
“Yesterday I lost about £140, over the past two days broke even, and I’m gambling my house for the gold cup today!”
With more money than ever gambled away on winning a large wad of cash from the festival, in the difficult financial climate the country is in, should we be looking at this in a positive or negative light?
