Golfing dead heat slices gamblers' $162 payout

When Michael Campbell came fifth in the British Open last week, Trevor and his betting syndicate from Auckland's Shakespeare Tavern thought they'd made a tidy return.

They had put $27 down on 6 to 1 odds of Campbell finishing in the top five and expected a $162 return. Trevor went to the Victoria St TAB to collect the win and was disappointed to receive only $27 in return.

"I'd just like to be paid out. They were fixed odds. They're a state-run monopoly. I reckon if there was more competition it would keep them honest."

But TAB sports bookmaker Gary Pearn said the payout was $27 because there were six golfers tied for fifth position. Campbell tied with Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen, Bernhard Langer, Geoff Ogilvy and Vijay Singh.

Mr Pearn says the dead heat rule applies in sport betting, which has been around for nine years.

Trevor and his syndicate picked Campbell to finish in the top five but because six players finished fifth their $162 dividend was split six ways - effectively giving them back their stake. Mr Pearn said it was similar to horse racing dead heats.