ROYALS

KATE’S BIRTH: Why bookies were forced to suspend betting

Will Kate give birth this week?
Getty

Bookmakers, Paddy Power were forced to halt bets on the birth date of the royal baby after it was reported that a huge number of bets were placed on Kate Middleton giving birth sooner than expected.

The rush of bets forced the bookies to reject all bets that the royal tot will arrive on or before Sunday this week.

Prince William and Kate are expected to give birth to their third child this month, but an official due date has not been announced.

Before the bookies suspended betting, the odds for the royal to be born this week was at 12/1.

‘The speculation around the arrival of the royal baby has been going into overdrive, and our punters certainly think it’s going to happen soon,’ a spokesperson for the company revealed to Express.

Will and Kate
Punters think that the royal tot will arrive this week. (Credit: Getty Images)

‘We’re now convinced it’s going to be this week, and Mary is certainly the name of choice from our punters, who have been backing that name for months.’

The flurry of bets comes after officials closed off the roads outside the Lindo Wing on Monday morning.

Parking suspensions signs have been placed outside the wing and barriers have been put up to accommodate the media, suggesting that the birth could be sooner than expected.

Now, we just have to wait and see.

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