IPL turns out to be gambler's paradise

NEW DELHI: If the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a massive draw among cricket lovers, can the satta market remain far behind? In fact, there���s more bounce on the pitch off the ground as IPL is turning out to be a gambler���s paradise.

The satta bazaar estimates that around Rs 22,000 crore will ride in the market on IPL���s 59 matches over 44 days. As for the current trends, the odds are heavily loaded in favour of Preity Zinta-owned Kings XI Punjab with stakes at 100:125.

Chennai Super Kings is close on the heels with stakes at 100:132. The Rajasthan Royals is also in heavily demand with stakes at 100:135.For beginners, if the odds are 1:2, it means that for every Rs 100 you bet, you get back Rs 200.

What���s more, bookmakers are an excited lot as the money is really big this time ��� with bets being laid out for the best batsman, best team and even the best southpaw. The bookmakers and satorias in Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Agra ��� which are major centres for betting ��� are looking at this as a mega event and it is estimated that Rs 400-500 crore is up for grabs for the next eight crucial matches.

���The most interesting point about this tournament is that the odds are changing very fast. If yesterday Chennai was the favourite team, today you will find a new team emerging at that position.

Since this is a new form of cricket where players from many other countries are playing together in one team, people in the initial stage were a little cautious of putting their money. But it seems that the dust has settled and now lot of money is coming into the market,��� said a leading bookie.

Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians are neck and neck ��� at least in the satta market ��� since both the teams are fetching 100:155 now. Interestingly, no one is putting money on Kolkata Night Riders, Royal Challengers and Deccan Chargers. Which is why none of the bookies have opened any rate for them.

���This new format of T20 is poised to witness big money changing hands. Although there are no clear estimates as of now, betting will surely be much higher this time around. We have never received this kind of response where every one wants to bet,��� said a punter.