England’s Loss Costs Businesses Millions, Except Those Who Backed Croatia

As most UK businesses are counting the millions of lost revenue following England’s exit, one company is breathing a sigh of relief as they cash in on their insurance policy.

"While the money is obviously fantastic, this is one bet I didn’t want to win" said Antony Portno, CEO of online sports tipster community.

As a UK based sports betting site, England's absence from Euro 2008 would be a big blow to the business financially. After England lost to Russia and it looked like we were out of the competition, he regretted having not taken out an insurance bet on England not qualifying.

When Israel then gave England a second chance, the gambling tycoon seized the opportunity to bet £3,000 on Croatia to beat England at odds of 7/1.

"I’m not it the habit of placing such large bets, but I figured an England exit would probably cost my business at least £50,000 in earnings so I saw the bet as an insurance policy just in case the unthinkable happened"

"Like everyone else on OLBG I assumed England would be successful in at least managing a draw at home to a team with nothing but pride to play for, but I still had to make the bet. I had originally planned to bet £5,000 but lost my nerve a bit"