Operator Entain is expecting an “unprecedented surge” in online bets for the UK’s Grand National.

The group believes there will be a big demand as it expects UK customers to take advantage of the offers available for this weekend’s event.

With betting shops still closed, Entain expects the races to become the UK’s biggest ever online sports betting event.

Entain offers its own technology to its Ladbrokes and Coral brands, which means customers betting this weekend will be supported by Entain for the first time this year as it completed a brand migration deal last year.

Overall, around 13 million people bet on the Grand National every year, representing roughly one third of UK adults.