Christmas odds

I remember last year I spotted some strange odds around Christmas, Paddy Power I think, which gave the same odds for snow on Christmas day in Scotland as in England. As the other bookies showed a big difference in the odds, and shorter prices, I thought I'd get on the Scottish snow and it duly showed up...having a look at Christmas prices, the Kaiser Chiefs are 20-1 with one bookie to have the no 1 single, 100-1 with another. Even if it comes nowhere I won't feel cheated at having a few quid on that at a big price, with the thought that the discrepancy may be in my favour.

I'd hate to be a professional gambler as sport and life in general gets too serious. Betting creates an interest because it gives you a side to take, and angle to have on events and if I can spare a couple of pounds to brighten up an event by having a bet on it, I feel it's money well spent.