The Sopranos: Odds Offered on Who Gets Whacked First

Controversial online gambling website BetUS.com (see website here) has begun offering betting odds on which Sopranos character will be whacked first in anticipation of the final season which begins April 8 in the US.

Last season, oddsmakers frenetically pulled Sopranos betting odds after Tony was shot by his own uncle in the first episode.  Odds were set at ridiculously high payouts on Tony with a number of people placing the bet.

Because it is the final season, bookmakers like BetUS.com are anticipating the possibility that a major popular character could be killed off early on.

This season's favorite like seasons before is Christopher.  He is listed at +200 odds, paying out $200 for every $100 bet.

Johnny Sack is next in line with +350 payout odds.  This would translate into a $350 win for every $100 bet.

Not surprisingly, Uncle Junior comes in with +400 odds as does Paulie Walnuts. 

Silvio is set at +700 odds.  And not taking a chance, BetUS.com gives Tony Soprano shorter odds with a payout of $800 for every $100 bet.

Life Imitating Art

As of the sixth season, there have been numerous arrests for many of the actors that appear on the series. Because of the popularity and subject matter of the show, these arrests were widely reported by the news media:

Tony Sirico - The actor who plays mob underboss Paulie Walnuts was charged with numerous criminal activities totaling 28 arrests before joining the cast. Some of his more notable arrests were for a chain of nightclub hold-ups.

Robert Iler - In July 2001, the actor who plays Anthony Soprano, Jr., was arrested for armed robbery of two Brazilian tourists and possession of marijuana. He pled guilty to a charge of larceny and received three years' probation.

Richard Maldone - The actor who played Acting Capo Albert Barese has previously been arrested and convicted for assault, grand larceny, forgery, and criminal possession of stolen property. In April 2003, he was arrested on a drug charge that could have landed him 15 years, but the case was dismissed.

Vincent Pastore - In April 2005, the actor who played mob soldier turned rat Big Pussy Bonpensiero was charged for assaulting his girlfriend during an argument in a car. He allegedly smacked her head around and slammed it into the auto's gear shift. He then yanked her out of the car. He received community service hours.

Lillo Brancato Jr. - In May 2005, the actor who played Soprano associate Matthew Bevilaqua in the second season, was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs.  In June 2005, he was arrested for possession of heroin.  In December 2005, he was arrested and charged with second degree murder. He was an accomplice in a robbery which resuled in a police officer's death when Brancato's partner Steven Armento engaged in gunfire with the off-duty officer.

Louis Gross - Portrayed bodyguard Perry Annunziata in the sixth season. In May 2006, he was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after breaking into a woman's home claiming he was there to take back possession of his belongings.

John Ventimiglia - In May 2006, the day after Gross' arrest, the actor who plays Artie Bucco was charged with DWI and drunk driving with an alcohol level of 0.12. He was also carrying a bag that had cocaine residue.

----

Alejandro Botticelli, Gambling911.com

Originally published March 25, 2007 5:27 pm ET