Saturday, July 13, 2024, marked a pivotal evening for American politics and the presidential election in the United States. During a speech in Pennsylvania, presidential candidate Donald Trump was struck by a bullet on his right ear, sending shockwaves through both the political world and the betting market. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, but the consequences have already become evident on betting platforms.
Following the assassination attempt, activity on the betting market exploded. Several bookmakers, including the popular Unibet, reported a significant increase in betting activity over the weekend and into the following Monday. The excitement and uncertainty have driven many to place their bets, and something remarkable has become clear: Donald Trump has experienced a significant surge in popularity among bettors.
The odds on Donald Trump becoming the next American president have seen a dramatic change. While the odds were 1.45 on July 8, they have now dropped to 1.25 on July 16. This drop in odds reflects an increasing belief that the assassination attempt has strengthened Trump’s position rather than weakened it. Many bettors now view Trump as an even stronger candidate who can turn this serious incident to his advantage in the campaign.
This increased belief in Trump as the favourite candidate comes on the back of the sympathy and support, he has received following the incident. It is not uncommon for political leaders to experience a surge in support after a crisis, where voters see them as victims and potentially stronger leaders. The bookmakers’ odds will quickly adjust to reflect this shift in public perception.
Overall, the reactions on the betting market show that political events, even the most dramatic and unexpected ones, can quickly change the dynamics and expectations of the presidential election. It is a reminder of how excitement and unpredictability constantly shape both politics and the betting world, and how a single event can tip the odds in favour of one candidate over another.
