At least one New Zealand punter was smiling following the World Cup final after winning $22,000 from a $1000 stake on a drawn scoreline at the end of 80 minutes' play.
Another gambler was left sweating until the final whistle after betting $40,000 at $3.75 on England as victors, netting a
$110,000 profit.
But overall the TAB reaped $10.2 million, exceeding the $8 million the agency had predicted.
The final attracted $1.1 million in bets, the most money the TAB has ever taken on a rugby match not featuring the All Blacks and more than was bet on the New Zealand-Australia semifinal.
"I'd shudder to think what would have happened if the All Blacks had been playing," said TAB spokesman Mark Stafford.
More gamblers than usual opted for a drawn final at $22, most likely because the match was expected to be determined on kicks. Heavy rain on the day of the game also encouraged a late swing of smart money in behind the English.
