Anyone watch CBS Marketwatch this morning?

[Was_Immer]

Dont know if its on at the same time throughout the country, but it is on right now in Chicago.

They had a segment on some english companies setting up bets who will win the presidency.
They said currently its Chimp 57% Kerry 43%

WTF! And today Zogby has Kerry +1%
Apparently the margin was larger on the english companies prior to Thursday. Meaning Chimpy was leading by more.

[Jasper 91]

1. I live in the UK so I can tell you that

Only last week , John Kerry was 2-1 to win while Bush was 4-13 , so this is a big move in Kerry's favour . You also have to factor in that we think Bush is likely to try and steal the election , and that for Kerry to win , he will have to win in a big way .

On a level playing field , we all think Kerry would win , but the odds are stacked against him because the Dems play fair while the Repugs lie , cheat and steal .

[Snotcicles]

2. Boy do we think alike n/t

[Was_Immer]

3. Now I feel stupid but please explain to me what 2-1 means?

I cannot rationally convert 2-1 to a fraction. How does this work? Is 2-1 better than 4-13?

Please if someone would not mind explaining odds to me in terms of percentage or fractions???

[TransitJohn]

4. It's easy

2-1 means 2 to 1. If you bet 1 dollar and win, you get two. 4 to 13 means you bet 13 dollars to win 4. You should go play the ponies more. ;)

[Was_Immer]

5. Thats what I thought.... BUT

If im betting 13 dollars and only getting back 4 if I win. Dont I actually loose money?

Or does that mean that its such an odds on favorite I shouldnt be betting?

Thanks by the way for the answer!

[TransitJohn]

6. No you're not losing.

You place the bet for $13. When you win, you get back $17. Thus the 13-4 odds. BTW odds are made by how the betting public is placing their money, so that the house comes out ahead.

[Jasper 91]

7. Hi Was_Immer

I am by no means an expert on betting odds , but I can explain what this means . 2-1 means that for every pound staked , you receive 2 pounds back on top of your stake , so if Kerry won you would receive 3 pounds back . 4-13 means that for every 13 pound staked , you receive 4 pounds back on top of your stake , so if Bush won , you would receive back 17 pounds back .

I hope this is helpful to you , though I'm not encouraging you to go out and gamble .:)

[Was_Immer]

8. NOW I clearly understand! Thank you both very much

Im a moron and forever shall be, thank you for helping me out.