A British bookmaker is offering odds on whether President-elect Barack Obama will legalize online gambling.
Bookmaker William Hill, who are the second largest betting company in the UK, offer odds of Evens (bet $100 to make $100 profit) that Obama will legalize online gambling at any point during his presidency, including in a potential second term. They offer odds of 8-11 (bet $110 to make $80 profit) that online gambling is not legalized during his presidency.
Graham Sharpe, spokesman for William Hill, told Bingo News that they would define the legalization of online betting as being able to place any bet online that a UK citizen currently would be able to. “You would not get paid out if poker was made legal online but sports betting was not. We would only say online gambling was fully legalized if you could bet on sports, bingo, casinos and poker.”
Legalizing online gambling has become a hot topic for American legislators following the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in October 2006. Several of the large Las Vegas casino groups initially opposed the introduction of online gambling in the US but since then have switched positions and now support the idea.
The chances of all online gambling in the US being legalized is severely restricted by the NFL’s total opposition to any form of wagering on professional football. Their somewhat illogical position – given their viewing figures massively benefit from those who watch games because they have had a bet on it – will be very hard for pro-gambling groups to overcome. Most industry experts agree that online poker, bingo and casino games are more likely to be permitted before online sports betting and that sports may never get pass the US government
William Hill are offering odds on various other events that may, or may not, take place during an Obama presidency:
US Citizen to walk on the moon during Obama’s presidency – 33/1
To have a third child during his presidency – 16/1
To be impeached – 50/1
To legalize online gambling during his presidency – Evens (8/11 not to)
Change constitution to allow 3 Presidential terms – 50/1
Confirm capture of Osama Bin Laden during his Presidency – 6/4
Michelle Obama to be elected US President during her lifetime – 20/1
Malia Obama to be elected US President during her lifetime – 16/1
Sasha Obama to be elected US President during her lifetime – 201
To win second term of office- Evens
