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Vladimir Putin got a record third term in the Kremlin as president this week. Although he’s a controversial leader (to say the least) and recent health problems had people wondering if he was going to be able to hold his position, he’s held on. Now that he’s got his feet firmly planted in Russia’s political field William Hill has offered up odds for his re-election in 2018.
All of you futures bettors may be able to cash in on what can only be termed an investment if you choose wisely now. The odds are 4/6 that he’ll be there still six years hence and the odds that he won’t be are 11/10. The 2012 election got the most attention of any since the fall of communism and Putin’s health is not likely to correct itself as he gets older. It’s anybody’s game, essentially.
If Russian politics doesn’t interest you, perhaps American politics do. This year is going to be huge for the United States as the first four-year term of incumbent President Barack Obama comes to a close. The American Congress has been at partisan odds these last four years with the Republicans blocking almost all Democratic initiatives in a manipulative protest to Obama’s presidency. Will the Republicans be able to oust the Democrat? It’s worth placing a bet on, as the ideological chasm between Republican nominees Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum suggest the party may struggle to unite behind one candidate. You can bet that online casinos and betting websites will be getting in on that action and offering odds for Obama to win against the Republican candidate who has yet to be selected.
In fact, odds are already being offered on Obama and on who the Republican candidate will be. Mitt Romney is the clear front-runner with a 1/6 listing.
Over in France, Nicholas Sarkozy’s odds for securing a second term are listed as well. Francois Hollande, a socialist, leads at 3/1 with Skarkozy behind him at 5/2. Francois Bayrou comes in third at 16/1 and Marine Le Pen is a long shot at 40/1.
Go ahead and take a break from your slots and roulette wheels to put a few pounds on these important upcoming political elections. And then, of course, don’t forget to cast your vote if you’re a citizen of France or America. The leaders of today will shape the future of your tomorrow.
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