A punt on the pontiff: bookies expect flood of bets on who will be next pope
Briefly

As the papal conclave approaches, the gambling industry is poised for significant betting activity, with millions already placed on potential candidates to succeed the late Pope Francis. Platforms like Polymarket have reached over $6 million in peer-to-peer bets, showcasing interest in figures like Pietro Parolin. Despite tighter regulations hindering betting on platforms like Betfair, professional gamblers are closely analyzing the cardinals' backgrounds, eager for any insights that might influence betting outcomes. This spectacle contrasts sharply with the late pope's warnings against financial speculation, raising ethical concerns over commodifying the selection process.
As Vatican City gears up for the papal conclave, bookmakers are eager for the betting rush, with bets amounting to millions on potential candidates.
Despite the somber occasion, the gambling industry is abuzz as speculators analyze cardinals' chances in the conclave, drawing parallels to horse racing.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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