An Inconvenient Truth About 100 mph Prius
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From: par•a•dox
'Al Gore' arrest costs bookie thousands
The Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, which specialises in wacky bets and unlikely celebrity outcomes, today tripped over its own statistical odds in a bizarre bet involving the former US vice-president, Al Gore. Having opened a book on the next high profile American to be arrested, it offered a rather eye-catching 14-1 on the former senator. What it didn't factor in was that Mr Gore has a 24-year-old son, also called Al.
So when Al Jr (Al Gore III in fact) was pulled over by a sheriff's deputy in California this week and arrested for drug possession, he was not the only one in trouble.
Recognising it would be bad sportsmanship to quibble about the distinction between a father and son bearing identical names, the betting firm decided to pay up. "We got a good stoning thanks to the vice-president's son," the company said in a statement today. The "bizarre coincidence" has cost it more than 10,000 euros.
Around 50 punters placed bets on Mr Gore; a number have been quick to claim their winnings.
In the same contest it had ranked president George Bush and Bill Gates among the outsiders on odds of 33-1 and 50-1 respectively.
Paddy Power has explored many of the less likely permutations of celebrity lifestyles. It is currently offering odds on what Britney Spears will name her new album - Integrity and Dignity are the current hot favourites.
There is a whole section of "Paris Hilton specials". Odds of 66-1 are offered on her recording Jailhouse Rock this year and only 10-1 of her returning to prison before January 1st 2008.
There is even a book open on which prince - Harry or William - will be the first to become engaged. William is at 4-6 and Harry at 11-10. Clarence House or the prince will have to confirm it for any winnings to be paid out though.
The Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, which specialises in wacky bets and unlikely celebrity outcomes, today tripped over its own statistical odds in a bizarre bet involving the former US vice-president, Al Gore. Having opened a book on the next high profile American to be arrested, it offered a rather eye-catching 14-1 on the former senator. What it didn't factor in was that Mr Gore has a 24-year-old son, also called Al.
So when Al Jr (Al Gore III in fact) was pulled over by a sheriff's deputy in California this week and arrested for drug possession, he was not the only one in trouble.
Recognising it would be bad sportsmanship to quibble about the distinction between a father and son bearing identical names, the betting firm decided to pay up. "We got a good stoning thanks to the vice-president's son," the company said in a statement today. The "bizarre coincidence" has cost it more than 10,000 euros.
Around 50 punters placed bets on Mr Gore; a number have been quick to claim their winnings.
In the same contest it had ranked president George Bush and Bill Gates among the outsiders on odds of 33-1 and 50-1 respectively.
Paddy Power has explored many of the less likely permutations of celebrity lifestyles. It is currently offering odds on what Britney Spears will name her new album - Integrity and Dignity are the current hot favourites.
There is a whole section of "Paris Hilton specials". Odds of 66-1 are offered on her recording Jailhouse Rock this year and only 10-1 of her returning to prison before January 1st 2008.
There is even a book open on which prince - Harry or William - will be the first to become engaged. William is at 4-6 and Harry at 11-10. Clarence House or the prince will have to confirm it for any winnings to be paid out though.
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Jun 4, 2012 07:12 AM