Romney Odds Firm in Race Against Obama

Mitt Romney edged out Rick Santorum in a photo finish in the Republican Iowa caucuses Wednesday, but the result is all that matters, and the consequence for online sports betting is that the former Massachusetts governor has now emerged as the main contended to take on incumbent Barack Obama in the battle for president.

Romney is now a clear leader in the odds for Republican candidate, with William Hill Online quoting him at 2/9, ahead of Santorum, 8/1, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, both 12/1, Jon Huntsman, 25/1, Rick Perry, 40/1, and Michelle Bachmann, 50/1.

In the presidential odds, a similar tale emerges. Obama, of course, is the favourite at 8/11, Romney follows on 6/4, Paul and Santorum at 20/1, and then the rest of the Republican candidates with varying long odds.

William Hill, Sports Interaction and other good online betting sites with an eye on America are offering odds on the Republican and overall presidential race, and the numbers will change constantly as the candidates fly around the US on the campaign trail.

Sports Interaction is an online bookmaker with a North America focus, so it's no surprise that as the campaign continues, they will offer odds on a variety of scenarios, including winning party (Republicans or Democrats, of course), the amount of Electoral College votes both parties will win, and who will be the vice presidential candidate from each party.

Already the candidates in the Republican race are looking to the New Hampshire primaries next Tuesday, a traditional indicator for who will win the overall race. If the polls and the Sports Interaction odds are any sign, Romney is likely win this too, but of course we won't know until the back day next week.