CNN Democratic Presidential Debate in Vegas Could Have Affect on OddsThere is some degree of irony that Las Vegas could help prompt movements in the 2008 US Presidential betting frenzy that is only now beginning to get under way. The CNN Democratic Presidential debate in Vegas takes place Thursday evening.
Gamblers and oddsmakers alike will be paying close attention to the performances of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
While Hillary is the front runner among all candidates and a generally a 1 to 3 favorite at online gambling websites, she has hit a few stumbling blocks in past weeks. Obama, meanwhile, capitalized on this with a fiery speech over the weekend. Thus far, the odds on both Presidential candidates appear not to have been affected. That could all change Thursday.
"She's vulnerable," explains Payton O'Brien, Senior Editor of Gambling911.com who was quoted in Chief Executive Magazine discussing Presidential betting odds (read here) "There is a possibility of a turnaround here should Hillary stumble further on Thursday and Obama excel in front of a larger national audience."
Democratic presidential front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton said Tuesday her performance may have been lacking at last week's presidential debate, but brushed aside criticisms she has not been clear on where she stands on the issues.
Sen. Hillary Clinton boards the CNN Election Express in Iowa Tuesday.
"I wasn't at my best the other night," Clinton told CNN's Candy Crowley. "We've had a bunch of debates and I wouldn't rank that up in my very top list.
"But I've answered probably, I don't know, more than 5,000 questions over the last 10 months and I have been very clear about where I stand and what I want to do for the country."
Hillary was a -250 favorite at BetUS.com. Barack Obama was listed with +800 odds, illustrating the wide gap currently between both candidates. John Edwards, by comparison, was listed with +2000 odds.
Clinton continues to hold steady a 1-3 odds at Sportsbook.com. Obama is still at 7/2 odds.
Al Gore continues to play a key role among the online gambling sites. At BetUS.com he was listed with +1200 odds. Gore has not announced his intentions of running. He's at 4/1 odds at Sportsbook.com.
World Sports Exchange had Hillary at -300 odds to win the Democratic nomination. Obama was up to +455. Al Gore was around +1100. Edwards was far behind at +1500.
British bookmaker, William Hill, was offering better value on Clinton at 1/2 odds, although US gamblers are prohibited from betting there. Barack Obama was listed with 8/1 odds of becoming the next US President. Al Gore came in next with 12/1 odds (odds found here)
The CNN Democratic Debate out of Vegas airs 8 - 10 pm EST Thursday November 15.
November 14, 2007 in 2008 US Presidential Betting Odds, Ron Paul Presidential Betting Odds
----
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
Originally published November 14, 2007 10:46 am EST
