Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesBrits can't resist betting on the royal baby.
Wagering experts in the U.K. are in a frenzy taking last-minute bets on everything from what Kate Middleton and Prince William plan to name the third in line to the throne, to whether it'll be a prince or princess, to the color of Pippa Middleton's dress during her first visit.
Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has taken more than $45,000 in bets since Kate went into labor and checked into the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's hospital shortly before 6 a.m. local time, and the total betting market has now surpassed $613,000. The online site, however, has suspended betting on the due date.
Per Paddy Power, when it comes to the latest betting on what the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will call their firstborn, Alexandra is the odds-on favorite at 11-4 followed by George at 11-2 odds if it's a boy. The former's a sensible choice given that Alexandra is Queen Elizabeth's middle name while George, of course, has a long tradition in the royal family.
Other hot names are Victoria at 11-2, Charlotte at 7-1, James at 7-1 and Elizabeth at 12-1. Longer odds are Diana after William's mum at 16-1 and Louis at 20-1, while longshots include Oliver at 100-1, Olympia at 200-1, Wayne (after Manchester United soccer superstar Wayne Rooney) at 250-1 and Fergie at 500-1.
In terms of the child's weight, the leading bet at 7-to-1 odds has the little bundle of joy weighing in at 9 pounds to 9 pounds and 15 ounces, while 10 pounds or more is garnering 12-to-1 odds.
And regarding Pippa's dress, red is the color of choice at 4-1 odds followed by bright blue at 5-1.
Other markets offered to gamblers include everything from Baby Cambridge's first word to the child's first overseas visit (Canada is favored at 2-1 odds) to eventual career choice (Art leads at 10-to-1 odds) to the name of the royal baby's first girlfriend or boyfriend, to—tongue planted firmly in cheek—the age the royal heir is first photographed at a nightclub.
Per AFP, other bookies such as William Hill are offering bets on whom Will and Kate will ask to be the godparents, with David Beckham leading people's picks along with Prince Harry and Pippa.
Sure beats English football.