Originally published on August 03, 2006.
BY JOSEPH TARTAKOFF
When he took power almost five decades ago, Fidel Castro shut down Cuba's bustling gambling business. On Wednesday, gambling companies had their revenge.
Across the Internet, people are trying to cash in on the fate of the ailing Cuban leader, who handed control to his brother this week. They're placing bets on which day he'll die - or which month - and whether he'll make another appearance.
So far, the odds are coming in squarely against Castro lasting too much longer, and many of the people making the bets are from Miami.
"Many of us were amazed at Castro's staying power, but he's no Stonehenge," said BetCRIS.com CEO Mickey Richardson. "Every reign has an endpoint and it appears that Castro's is fast approaching."
Starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, BetCRIS was accepting wagers on whether or not Castro would make a live appearance before Aug. 13, his birthday. Written messages and voice broadcasts do not count, the site made clear.
Within five hours, 98 wagers had come in, more than 60 percent from Florida. The majority put their money on Castro not appearing in public again.
(...)
Published: 2007-01-03
Bettor's enjoyed a good week with many favorites winning, especially in baseball. Sunday alone in baseball there were 13 defined favorites which won, so with results like that bookmakers generally have a tough time of it.
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2007-01-03 | permalink
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