In response to numerous requests asking for US President Barack Obama assassination odds, the United Kingdom's second largest bookmaker on Saturday issued a statement that it would not be offering such an option.

"AFTER receiving over one hundred requests from gamblers looking to bet that Barack Obama will be the target of an assassination attempt or terrorist attack, bookmakers William Hill have issued a statement confirming that under no circumstances will they even contemplate offering such odds.

'We have no interest whatsover in betting on the possible death or serious injury of any politician (or anyone else for that matter) in any circumstances' said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.'I cannot imagine why any reputable bookmaker would even consider taking such a bet or any punter contemplate placing one.'"

A RECORD £10million-plus total was gambled on the outcome of the US Presidential Election, say William Hill, who have already installed Barack Obama as Even money favourite to win again in 2012.

And after the first black President was appointed, Hills are betting on who will be the first female Commander in Chief of the country - and have made Sarah Palin 6/1 favourite to do so - with Michelle Obama a 16/1 chance.

Ireland's largest bookmaker, Paddy Power, has come under heavy fire for offer Obama assassination odds over the last few days.

That bookmaker rejected calls to withdraw the controversial offer, claiming it was a nonsense to suggest that their stance could actually encourage anyone to go out and try to kill Mr Obama.

In Dublin, Shelia Paskman, a spokesman for the American Embassy in Ireland, said last night : "This is completely inappropriate."

But the bookmaker was unrepentant last night, claiming that a number of customers from Ireland and the UK had specifically requested odds on Mr Obama being assassination. 

Paddy Power does not accept customers from the United States.

Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher