Surprise Wigan Victory Leads to Big Payout for Bet Butler

LONDON, May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Pledge to refund losing bets gives Man City fans something to smile about

Disheartened punters who had bet on runaway favourites Manchester City to win Saturday's FA Cup final can now smile again after Bet Butler, the UK's leading betting broker, made good on its promise to refund all losing bets on the game, which was won 1-0 by Wigan.

Despite having only one shot on target in the entire match, Wigan managed to snatch victory when Ben Watson planted his head on corner and saw it fly into the back of Joe Hart's net, sending Latics fans into a crazed frenzy. Wigan's surprise victory left a lot of disappointed punters, however, as every penny they had bet on Man City was lost, unless it had been staked through Bet Butler.

"It must have been a dream come true for Wigan fans to see their team lift the FA Cup, but the Man City fans were left totally deflated," said Dave Evans, spokesperson for Bet Butler. "We wanted to reinforce the fact that, as a betting broker, we only win when the customer does, so we had promised to refund the stakes for every losing bet placed on the match. I don't have the total amount we'll be paying out yet, but it's in the tens of thousands."

Bet Butler's promotion saw fans refunded on their correct score and first goal scorer bets up to £25. The smart money for the match was on Man City, so by defying all the odds and making Mancini mad, those who bet on Wigan also created a big bill for Bet Butler.

"It's always good when the underdog wins, and Wigan showed real British bulldog spirit by holding on to the end," added Evans. "The result has also had an interesting effect on other markets, with odds being slashed on Mancini remaining as Man City manager for next season."

With their victory, Wigan became the 43^rd team to lift the FA Cup, the first major trophy in their 81 year history, having only entered the Football League in 1978. The attention of manager Roberto Martinez will now turn to his club's survival as a top flight club. No team has ever won the FA Cup and been relegated in the same season, so the omens are good as the cup winners prepare to take on Arsenal tomorrow night in a must-win tie.

Bet Butler is the UK's biggest betting broker, searching 60 leading bookmakers to deliver the best odds without the need for multiple accounts.

SOURCE Bet Butler