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Nevada State Senator Tick Segerblom wants to push for legislation that would permit betting on US Presidential elections in the Silver State.
This is hardly a new concept. US Presidential elections in the past have taken in more money for international online gambling establishments than any other single non-sporting event.
These offshore websites cater extensively to US citizens but it appears as if the Brits love American politics as well. Close to $2 million was bet on the last election at one gaming establishment, Ladbrokes.
"I can see we have Hillary Clinton as a 6-to-4 favorite, and then there is a massive gap to Marco Rubio and Chris Christie who are both in there 12 to 1. We have George Clooney at 200 to 1," said Alex Donohue, spokesperson for Ladbrokes, in an interview with CBS News.
Sites like Sportsbook.com, which does cater to US citizens, has also posted odds on the next US Presidential race.
Segerblom believes income derived from political gambling in Nevada could reach an estimated $50 million while generating $2 million in taxes.
Vegas oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro took things a step further.
"Let me tell you something. If you could bet on the election, you're gonna vote," Vaccaro told CBS News, suggesting that political betting might actually be a cure all for low voter turnout.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
