In an election so dominated by an overwhelming favourite, betting on the usual big markets — most seats and overall majority —isn’t the route to riches.
Theresa May is seen as such a shoo-in for the June 8 poll that the best price on offer from any bookmaker for a Conservative majority is Stan James’s 1/20, where risking £100 would win you a fiver.
An even less generous 1/25 on the Tories to win most seats in the election is, again, a price that will appeal to only the biggest hitters.
There are other angles on the poll though, and one of them could be betting on apathy. The pained reaction of Brenda from Bristol on hearing of the PM’s decision to go to the country —“Another one? Oh for God’s sake” — went viral but it’s a sentiment many will share as the third major national vote in three years looms.
Senior Tories are going out of their way to convince people this election isn’t a done deal and Jeremy Corbyn could actually become prime minister. But let’s face it, even campaign guru Lynton Crosby will struggle to sell this vote as being on a knife edge.
1/20
Best odds available from any bookmaker for a Conservative majority
The first sub-60 per cent turnout since 2001 is a distinct possibility and on Betfair’s exchange you can find 3/1 on that. William Hill’s 4/7 on turnout below 63 per cent is also a tempter. The punter is with Brenda.
