DraftKings Releases US Presidential Election Odds For Canadian Bettors

Betting on the outcome of the USA’s Presidential Election might be illegal south of the border, but there are no such rules in Ontario. DraftKings has opened up the first betting markets to gamblers located in Ontario and laid odds on the nominees. 

Two Republican candidates open as betting favorites

Betting on the outcome of the US Presidential Election has long been popular in the states, with gamblers placing their wagers with offshore gambling sites to circumvent US laws against the practice. As sportsbooks have opened their virtual doors to Ontario bettors, with no restrictions on the practice in Canada, top sportsbook DraftKings is allowed to take wagers on the outcome and is doing just that. In a normal election cycle the sitting President would typically be the favorite from an odds perspective, but Joe Biden’s odds to win the election opened at just +550, putting him third overall.

A pair of Republicans have a better chance of taking power according to the DraftKings oddsmakers, with former President and ex-reality TV host Donald Trump leading the way at +250. Former Presidents are typically ineligible to run again, but as Trump was unable to secure a second term in the 2020 election he is permitted to run again and serve another single term should he emerge victorious. Hot on Trump’s heels with +350 odds is current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Neither Trump nor DeSantis has officially announced their candidacy, but speculation is clearly high that one or both of them will throw their hat in the ring.

Celebrities and business moguls make the list along with seasoned politicians

The top nine favored potential candidates are all career politicians, but the 10th-ranked potential candidate is wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Johnson told CNN in April that he was considering a run for the Oval Office, and given American’s predisposition to vote for television personalities his +4000 odds are well justified. Controversial Fox News personality Tucker Carlson made the list as well, carrying the same +5000 odds as Ted Cruz who nearly earned the Republican nomination in 2016. Entertainers Kayne West and George Clooney both check in with +10000 odds.

DraftKings pegs Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ odds of becoming President at +6500, as the oddsmakers clearly see the potential for Bezos’ wealth and name recognition to earn him the victory. Another billionaire in Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg made the list, albeit at the bottom with +20000 odds.

Candidates from both sides of the aisle represented

While the Republicans hold the top two spots in terms of betting favorites, they are followed up by Democrats Joe Biden and current Vice President Kamala Harris (+1200). Pete Buttigeg (+2500), Gavin Newsom (+3000), and Michelle Obama (+3500) are all some of the most likely possible winners. Republicans Mike Pence (+1400) and Nikki Haley (+2500) are also in the top 10. The more liberal Democrats carry longer odds, with Elizabeth Warren checking in at +4500 and Bernie Sanders opening at +10000.

The election is still more than a year away, and plenty can change in that period of time. As the hopefuls begin to officially announce their candidacies and further developments occur, these betting markets are sure to evolve over time. For now, Ontario bettors get to enjoy the fun of betting on what is sure to be a contentious and hard-fought election for our neighbors to the south.

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