The electronics' company Saturn is willing to risk having
to give TVs bought before Mai 17 for free, if the French Team wins the World
Cup.
The company even contracted a special kind of insurance to insure itself
against that risk. The amount paid for that unusual insurance
is however unknown. Cynics will argue that it must not be too high, given the
chances the French team has of winning... However should the french national
team win the world cup, Saturn will pay all its customers that
bought a TV before Mai 17 back the worth of their purchase.
So if the french team wins, some people might have two causes to party : the World Cup title for their favorite team and a free TV !!
This type of promotional betting is not unheard of and comes in a period of
high sales. Mars organized a freezing bet in 2003 and was willing to refund up
to 50euros of ice cream bought between Mai and August should the temperature
rise to 31C in Paris on August 31.
Before the world cup, TV sales generally rise 20% to 50% so it is a perfect time for manufacturers and distributors to promote their products. Carrefour actually followed Saturn's example by offering it's TV bought from Mai 7 to Mai 25 should the french team win or a 50% refund should they arrive in semi-finals. Seems that according to TV manufacturers and distributors, the french team has little chance to win the cup this year...
So if you want to bet against Saturn or Carrefour and support the French team, you just have to risk it and buy a TV, chances are you will be happy with your purchase and will be able to watch the games whatever the result of the World Cup. Bets are on...