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Monday, 29 July, 2002, 12:41 GMT 13:41 UK
Ban lifted on 'too lucky' punter
Mark Fancy
Mark Fancy has won thousands on his bets
A betting shop has lifted a ban on a punter after he was barred because he won too much money.

Mark Fancy, 36, scooped £14,000 from his local Coral bookmakers after a series of wagers which involved predicting the outcome of football and golf competitions.

After settling the bet, the shop near his home in Saltdean, East Sussex, told him never to come back.

The firm has now agreed that self-employed businessman Mr Fancy is now welcome to return to the shop - but he is not so keen.

Mark's top tips
Arsenal to win Charity Shield
Tiger Woods to win US PGA
Lleyton Hewitt to win US Open

He said: "Do they ban me again if I win? I'm thinking, should I lose a few times?

"I will have the odd bet but I'll never bet in there like I used to."

Mr Fancy made his substantial win with a stake of £700.

One bet included correctly picking the winners of football's Division One, Two and Three play-offs.

Other wagers included Arsenal lifting the FA Cup and the Premiership combined with golfer Tiger Woods winning the Deutsche Bank-SAP German Open.

In an earlier statement, Coral's spokesman said: "Only where there is clear evidence that a customer has consistently been winning significant sums of money over a lengthy period will Coral take the very rare action of asking that individual to take his business elsewhere.

"We cannot discuss any customer's betting details out of respect for client confidentiality but are happy to congratulate Mr Fancy on his very successful betting."

But on Monday, a Coral spokesman confirmed Mr Fancy can continue to bet with Coral.

"I understand he's quite happy about that," he said.


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29 Jun 02 | Science/Nature
22 Jun 02 | England
09 Jun 02 | England
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