Gambling on the Olympics - great story in the Wall Street Journal

[The Buzz]

The Wall Street Journal has a great story about how oddsmakers have had to do a great deal of research on sports they don't know much about in preparation for the London Olympics.

Most of the bets on this year’s Olympics will be placed on marquee events like the final of the men’s 100-meter sprint, or on the overall medal count. Some gamblers may be drawn to novelty bets like the color of Queen Elizabeth II’s hat at the opening ceremony (peach is a narrow favorite over light blue) or the number of days on which rain will fall over the Olympic Stadium during the Games.

But for the first time at the Olympics, bettors also will be able to wager on the outcomes of each of the 302 medal events across 26 sports, meaning fans of the obscure, uncelebrated and downright oddball events at the Olympics have an unprecedented chance to cash in.

And it may be a good chance, at that. For aficionados of these events, experts say the 2012 Olympics may represent that rare opportunity in sports gambling when the bettors have an edge over the bookmakers.

Full story here: http://stream.wsj.com/story/london-o...89/SS-2-35505/

So are you planning on betting on the games at all? If so, what will you bet on?

[ocreditor]

Not too sure if I'd be drawn to the color of the Queen's hat. As for the obscure sports, I'm as stumped at the bookmakers No bets on synchronized swimming for me, but maybe on the real swimming on Saturday.

[Anthony]

There just might be a few hidden gems to bet on.

[TheGooner]

Well I've looked at the sport my current domicile will do well in, from horse riding, to yachting, to rowing, to BMX riding, to womens shotput ..

And I've yet to see a weak line being offered. With all the information and time tracking available these days on athletes - I'm not sure that a "dark horse" is possible any more.

[oc+]

I heard from someone that Bolt is 8-1 to win both the 100m and 200m - I know he has been out of form and has had injuries but surely that is worth £50?

[TheGooner]

That some one was lying to you ... or really has found a weak bookie.


Bolt is 8/11 favourite to win the 100m ... that's 1.73 decimal odds / -130 US odds.
Bolt is 5/8 favourite to win the 200m ... that's 1.61 decimal odds / -150 US odds

A double would be around 9/5 to win both ... approx 2.78 decimal / +178 US odds.


As I say most bookmakers have plenty of data now with annual diamond league (7 events) and plenty of World Championships events.
Weak lines a very hard to find .... the WSJ piece was either a "puff piece" or paid advertising by the bookmakers ...

[Linda Homes]

Hi, I agree with you
"most bookmakers have plenty of data now with annual diamond league (7 events) and plenty of World Championships events.
Weak lines a very hard to find .... the WSJ piece was either a "puff piece" or paid advertising by the bookmakers ..."