And They're Waiting In The Stalls Now...

[liadnan]

As Cardinals, perhaps somewhat prematurely (what if it's all a massive April fool?), begin to pour into Rome airports (so Italian news reports), I'm somewhat distressed to notice that Paddy Power appear to have quietly pulled the Papal Stakes. Presumably only temporarily, once the death is announced most of the major bookmakers open a book, Power were only unusual in that they made their book a couple of years early.

Labour victory in the General Election is odds on though, 1-14 (Cons 6-1, LD 50-1, Other 500-1). Not sure I'd put it quite that high myself. Wonder what the spread betting looks like.

Comments

[clanwilliam.livejournal.com]

I went looking for it today as well. Much disappointed.

[eccles.livejournal.com]

I'm still waiting for the Pope to sit up in his bed and exclaim "Haha n00bs, I f00lz j00!"

[hano.livejournal.com]

admn, you beat me to it - I was looking for the SP on it as well. My office is considering running a book on how long he'll last...
He's clinging on like a bastard though isn't he? Makes you wonder what he's afraid of beyond the veil. Or as Andre Sullivan put it: 'If the Pope's afraid of dying, what hope is there for the rest of us?'

Couple of alternative bookmarks.

[liadnan]

http://sports.bestbetting.com/specials/current-affairs/religion/who-will-be-the-next-pope

http://www.oddschecker.com/betting/mode/o/card/specials-politics/odds/124960x/sid/240720

[alan1957.livejournal.com]

i fink i'll parss on betting for a while!
...'owever, ignoring ancient polish reactionaries, i'm not sure yew're right about the tories chances...i mean, ter put it anuvver way, wot odds would they 'ave ter be before yew'd chance a decent bet on 'em? cos i wouldn't at 10's, 14's 20's or 'igher. i don't believe they're gonna win 'wotever' 'appens...'n' this coming from the man 'oo bet a grand on those ?@*!£$?@+ [etc etc]

but

[nikandra.livejournal.com]

all the reports say he is (was?) serene and giving the most beautiful lesson of them all on how to die.

(sorry, I felt very cynical when I heard that on TV today)
(reposted because I saw a typoe - maybe there are more...*shrug*)

[dr-lovely.livejournal.com]

Mm. Well not really, since he's refusing to go back to hospital, and just dying at home as it were. I think that's very brave really - I guess he knows that eventually the doctors would just keep prodding and poking and he'd die anyway, so why prolong it.