Miss Universe ratings were down 9 percent from last year and likely earning its lowest-rating ever, though it still won its timeslot. Still, the gambling public bet on the 2008 Miss Universe pageant in droves making it the most bet on event of the summer thus far.

"Record traffic for Gambling911.com and the online gambling sites accepting wagers on Miss Universe experienced stellar results," claimed Payton O'Brien, Gambling911.com Operations Manager.
Only a small percentage of online gambling venues offered odds on the pageant, however.

"Universe" averaged a 4.1 household rating from 9 to 11 p.m., according to Nielsen overnights, off from last year's previous all-time low, a 4.5. Among viewers 18-49, the year-to-year dip was even steeper, 20 percent, from a 2.5 to a 2.0.

But a decline was probably to be expected after the pageant was moved from late May to early July, when TV viewing levels are well off from the end of May sweeps.

Ratings across the globe were not immediately known.

Miss Venezuela won the competition and was named Miss Universe 2008. She was the favorite, listed with odds between 6 to 1 and 7 to 1 at most online gambling sites.

Last year's Miss Universe winner - Miss Japan Riyo Mori - was a huge underdog before she took the crown.
Many gamblers thought it could be deja vu after Miss Russia at 33/1 odds came in as the third runner up. Miss Colombia, the first runner up, was listed with 11 to 1 odds.