Over $1 million in bets mirrored US election result
Thursday 4th November 2004
Bets places on Sportsbook.com indicated Bush would win the popular vote by 53 per cent to Kerry’s 47 per cent, little more than two per cent off the end figures.
'Based on the betting action we received on the election, we accurately predicted the overall winner even before the official pronouncement that Bush won,' said Alex Czajkowski, marketing director, Sportingbet Plc Americas Region.
Bets placed on which candidate would win the battleground states also proved accurate. The Democratic candidate Kerry received the most bets in Pennsylvania, while Bush received the majority of Bets in Florida and Ohio. Sportsbook.com also expects New Mexico and Iowa will go to Bush, although these will make little difference to the outcome of the election.
Nearly 11,000 bets were placed on the election, which saw Bush return to the White House for a second term.