As is typical this time of year, we tend to see a bit of a lull immediately following what was definitely one of our best Kentucky Derbies in years.

The Pope

While we are not seeing a crazy amount of traffic related to the Next Pope betting, books are reporting solid action with just over $8 million wagered at Kalshi thus far.

You know this is a big deal when the Catholic News Agency features a headline "Gamblers are betting millions of dollars on who will be the next pope".

They claim that Polymarket has taken in over $18 million in next pope bets.

In case you were wondering, these publications aren't exactly condemning this type of wagering activity.

Tom Nash, a contributing apologist for Catholic Answers, told CNA that it’s clear who “the most well-known cardinals are heading into the conclave,” but that does not necessarily show “how they stack up as papabili in the eyes of their fellow cardinal electors.”

“I think some cardinals who are faring well among the oddsmakers and media, including because of the prominent role they had under Pope Francis, may actually have less of a chance than some others who are considered long shots,” he said.

Today's Top Game Markets

The New York Knicks visit the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference second round with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Knicks won the last matchup 108-105 in overtime on Monday, led by 29 points from Jalen Brunson. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 23.

Jayson Tatum is averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and six assists for the Celtics. Brown is averaging 14.4 points over the past 10 games.

Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 26 points and 6.1 assists over the last 10 games.

Even with the line jumping from Boston -8.5 to -10.5, 60% or greater of the action was on the Celtics.  We've seen the number as low as -9.5 and as high as -11 as of Wednesday afternoon.

With Sagarin giving us a line of Boston -5, we'll be on the Knicks this evening at +10.5.

Trump Odds to Become the Next Pope

As noted above, the markets were cooling Monday through today.  While we're not seeing a whole lot of action on the Vatican front, our most trafficked story at the moment is odds on US President Donald Trump becoming the next pope.  This follows Trump posting an AI of himself as the next pope over the weekend and the bookmakers dove in to offer odds on this happening, or more not happening. 832 impressions were recorded over the last 24 hours.

Gambling911.com Free Picks Record

• May 7 - New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics - New York Knicks +10.5 (WIN)
• May 1 - Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers - LA Clippers -6 (PUSH)
• April 29 - Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers - Milwaukee Bucks +8 (WIN)
• April 25 - LA Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves - Minnesota Timberwolves -3.5 (WIN)
• April 19 - Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Lakers - Minnesota Timberwolves +4.5 (WIN)
• April 6 - New York Yankees vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Pittsburgh Pirates +138 (WIN)
• April 5 - Houston Cougars vs. Duke Blue Devils - Houston Cougars +5 (WIN)