Bettors Hit Payday Worth More Than $50,000 After Prevost Named Pope

In a twist not galore oddsmakers saw coming, Robert Francis Prevost became nan caller pope, taking nan sanction Leo XIV. His unexpected action earned immoderate fortunate gamblers immense payouts. Prevost, nan first-ever American pope, was obscurity adjacent nan apical of betting boards. 

Yet, a fewer sharp-eyed bettors turned mini wagers into monolithic windfalls.

Millions wagered connected papal outcome

Gamblers placed bets connected everything from who would beryllium nan adjacent pope to what sanction he would choose. According to Forbes, astir $40 cardinal was wagered connected conscionable 2 online betting platforms alone.

In summation to betting, much than 60,000 group participated successful Fantapapa, a fantasy-style game. Players selected 11 cardinals for their “team” and chose a skipper they thought astir apt to triumph nan papacy.

Top favorites autumn short

The betting markets and Fantapapa leaderboards had clear favorites. The apical 3 names were Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi and Luis Antonio Tagle.

When achromatic fume emerged from nan Sistine Chapel connected Thursday, May 8, bettors rushed to backmost Parolin. According to Forbes, his likelihood surged arsenic galore believed he had secured nan papacy.

But successful a shocking turn, Robert Francis Prevost was elected instead. His triumph not only amazed nan world but besides triggered monolithic payouts.

Forbes reported that six users connected nan blockchain betting level Polymarket made astatine slightest $20,000 each by betting connected Prevost. One bettor turned a $1,000 liking into astir $64,000.

On Kalshi, different personification had a $52,000 payout, winning connected a wager that had conscionable a 1% chance of success.

Prevost overlooked connected betting boards

After nan selection, BetMGM reported Prevost was astatine +5000 odds, pinch 19% of wagers connected Parolin and 58% of full money backed Tagle.

Prevost wasn’t only overlooked by gamblers. He besides flew nether nan media radar.

American Bishop Robert Barron told CBS News, galore were speculating that, “if America is moving nan world politically, culturally, economically – they don’t want America moving nan world religiously. I deliberation there’s immoderate truth to that.”