Bookies back a Trump win
ELECTION: PRESIDENT NOW DRAWS EVEN WITH BIDEN
Bet on him painting the White House gold – or having an airport named after him.
For the time being, all the polls seem to be going Joe Biden’s way ahead of the 3 November presidential election. But gamblers see a different reality and are putting their money on Donald Trump.
The Republican incumbent, who is seeking a second term, has slowly climbed back since July, to nearly even with the Democratic former vice-president.
For some Australian and British bookmakers, Trump is the odds-on favourite.
Betting on national or local elections is illegal in the United States. All the action is happening on foreign gambling sites.
A $100 (about R1 600) wager on a Trump win today could bring the punter a return of $190 if he notches the victory.
“There is no doubt that the momentum appears to have swung back into President Trump’s favour,” said Rupert Adams, a spokesperson for British bookmaker William Hill, which has already accepted more than $1.3 million in election bets.
Lee Price, a spokesperson for Irish gambling brand Paddy Power, explains that after a slowdown in betting activity due to the coronavirus crisis, interest has “started to pick up again in recent weeks”.
“We think the Trump factor is sure to keep punters interested,” Price said.
Many who have placed their bets on Trump now are hoping for a repeat of 2016, when the Manhattan real estate mogul staged a stunning comeback against Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton to win the White House.
British bookmaker Betfair has taken in £10 million in bets on the White House race since 23 August. That brings their total so far to £72 million, as compared with £33 million at the same point in the campaign in 2016.
Betfair is hoping to top the record of £199 million wagered in 2016, half of which came after polling stations closed.
Paddy Power is taking bets on some quirky issues: will Trump paint the White House gold (5001)? Will he have an airport in Mexico named after him (66-1)? – AFP