Soccermania has gripped India Inc - not just for the beauty of the game but also because a significant amount of money that is at stake in the numerous informal in-house betting pools that have sprung up across organisations.

Brazil or Argentina, Italy or Spain or one of the underdogs - it just does not matter. You bet and you win!

Employees say betting has generated unpredented interest and the excitement is defying logic.

Individuals with little knowledge of the game and lesser knowledge about participating teams are chipping in with good money to add to the frenzy.

Image: Indians supporting Brazil, left, and Argentina, right, cheer as they ride autorickshaws painted in support of the teams through the streets in Malapuram in Kerala.

Text: Business Standard | AP Images

Also see: FIFA fever grips corporates!