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Irish bookie offers odds on Obama speech soundbites

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-20 12:02

DUBLIN  – An Irish bookie is offering odds on phrases that may be used by US president-elect Barack Obama in his inauguration speech Tuesday.

An Irish bookie is offering odds on phrases that may be used by US president-elect Barack Obama, seen here in 2008, in his inauguration speech Tuesday. [Agencies]

In a range of inauguration-themed bets, punters can place bets on the duration of Obama's speech, the TV ratings and what "cliche" he will first mention during his address.

The best odds on offer for the content of his speech are 8-1 for "Change has come", 10-1 for "Yes We Can" and 12-1 for "Fundamental belief", "As I stand here today", "Defining moment" and "God Bless America".

At the other end of the spectrum, long shots include 500-1 for "Always bet on black!" and 250-1 for "Let's get ready to rumble" and "Life is like a box of chocolates," said bookmakers Paddy Power.

Punters can also lay bets on the colour of his tie and who will be the designer of the ball gown worn by Obama's wife Michelle and what colour it will be.

The breed of puppy promised for Obama's daughters when they move into the White House can also be bet on -- the favourite being a Portuguese water hound.

Last year Paddy Power paid out over one million euros ($1.3 million) on the former Illinois senator winning the 2008 presidential race, about three weeks before the vote.