But the wait was welcomed by U.K. bookmakers, who have taken in more than £1.6 million ($2.46 million) in baby-name bets as of Wednesday and reported a frenzy in demand since the birth.

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<p> Ladbrokes, one of Britain’s largest bookmakers, estimated it had taken more than £360,000 in royal bets two days after the birth. </p>
<p> "It has been the most popular market we have ever offered, outside of sporting events," David Williams, head of public relations at Ladbrokes, told CNBC. "The appetite has been unprecedented." </p>
<p> He said interest spiked after the birth: "Since then it’s gone into meltdown." </p>
<p> Those feeling lucky could pick from names including George—the favorite at 2-to-1—and more unusual options like Elvis, Barack and even Psy, after the South Korean pop sensation. </p>
<p> Williams said the royal parents had a "particular appeal" to the public. </p>
<p> "It’s a perfect storm," he said. "You have a royal couple, fantastic weather and some great news. When all these things come together, people are prepared to have a flutter." </p>
<div style='text-align:center;Britain' title=

Irish betting firm Paddy Power also said demand had shot up. "There’s been a lot of activity since it was announced that the baby was a boy," a representative told CNBC. "Up until then, the sex had been the betting focus."

Customers had placed around £500,000 in baby bets with the company, an amount that had even taken the company by surprise, he said.

‘Royal hysteria’
Rival William Hill, which offered 50 name options including Thatcher at 250-1, said it had taken in over £400,000.

Resourse: https://nbcnews.com/businessmain/

Britain’s bookies rake in pounds on baby naming – nbc news
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