Let's face it, most people (including some accountants!) find the Budget pretty boring but something they need to give some attention to in case it affects their business or personal financial situation.

However, if you want to make the Chancellor's Budget speech a bit more interesting, as you listen to it live or wait until the news summaries later in the day, then you may wish to have a little flutter on what he says or does.

There is now a huge betting market surrounding the Chancellor's annual Budget Statements.

How about placing a bet on one of these :-

• How many sips of water the Chancellor takes (3 or more is currently the favourite)
• The Chancellor's tie colour (you can get 33-1 on red!)
• The first of 25 specific words that he uses in his speech ("economy" and "economic" are joint favourites)
• Any mention at all of "Alex Salmond" during the speech is available at 6-1

It's all a bit of fun that may make the Budget speech just that little bit more interesting.

We will, of course, be producing our usual comprehensive budget summary which will be distributed to all of our clients, professional contacts and other friends early on Thursday morning, but in the meantime – good luck if you decide to have a modest flutter!