Paddy Power, You Bet

Paddy Power, Ireland’s largest bookmaker, is legal and unlike our bookies over here, a publicly quoted company on the Irish and UK stock exchanges. Its job, aside from making money without fear of being raided by the cops, is to make what they call ‘risk-based’ entertainment “more accessible and fun.” It lists bets on almost everything, including some quirky novelty bets. In 2002 and again in 2005, Paddy Power hit the headlines for offering betting on who would replace Pope John Paul II.

Now the odds are listed for the Papa after Benedict XVI, sometimes referred to as B16. The leader is Cardinal Angelo Scola at 6 to 1. Coming in last is Bono, 1000-1.

Where will be next Olympics be held? Gentlemen and ladies, place your bets. Chicago is a 10-11 favorite, with Tokyo right behind at 9-4, Rio at 4-1 and Madrid at 7-1.

For U.S. President, it’s Sen. Obama at 2-5, Senator McCain at 7-4 and Paris Hilton at 1000-1. (You have to admit she did a good “fake” campaign ad.)

Want to bet who will be in the Super Bowl? Check with Paddy Power to see who is betting on which team. Patriots 3-1; Chargers, Colts and Cowboys all at 8-1; Dolphins 125-1; Falcons 150-1. Not much confidence in those last two.

So that’s our look at the biggest gambling site online or by phone. I’m not a gambling person, not even a church raffle, so I’ll pass on this.