Video Summary

As we approach November, many people are wondering who will ultimately win the presidential election. Betting odds, which have been used for centuries, can provide a more accurate indicator of the outcome. When people place real money bets, they tend to vote for who they actually intend to, rather than hiding their true preferences due to social pressure. This is in contrast to traditional polls, where responses may be influenced by various factors.

Currently, the odds favor Hillary Clinton, with a -140 bet, while Donald Trump is at +250. Meanwhile, other candidates like Joe Biden and Mitt Romney are long shots, with odds of 100-1 and 200-1, respectively. These longer odds are used to entice people to bet on these candidates, despite being less likely to win.

An interesting scenario has emerged, where it's possible to bet on both Clinton and Trump, ensuring a win in one way or the other. With a 99% chance that it will be one of these two candidates, statisticians suggest betting on one or the other. However, a unique opportunity currently exists to bet on both, guaranteeing a profit regardless of the outcome. This “middle” allows bettors to win $200 if Trump wins or $100 if Clinton wins, while still earning a small profit if the other candidate wins. While betting on presidential elections is not legal in the US, many people do it worldwide, with estimates suggesting over $200 million will be wagered on the election. As a number cruncher, it's not hard to get excited about this unique opportunity to profit from the outcome.