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The year is 2025 and you can seemingly bet on anything and everything related to current events across the globe. That included this month’s selection of the new Pope.
This latest election was historic as an American-born candidate won out for the first time ever. A few sports bettors cashed in on the unexpected news in a big way.
Odds for the election were released in the weeks leading up to the decision. The overwhelming favorite was Pietro Parolin, who was the most-bet person in the race. Luis Antonio Tagle was also a popular choice.
Robert Francis Prevost came out of nowhere to take the crown. The Chicago native and Villanova grad will be the next Pope. At least two bettors cashed in with gambling wins of more than $50,000.
Pope upset! Robert Francis Prevost (USA) was +5000 to be the next Pope. 19% of bets (most) were Pietro Parolin (ITA) to be Pope… 58% of money was on Luis Antonio Tagle (PHI).
Less than 2% of bets were placed on Prevost. He held odds close to 50/1 at a number of sportsbooks.
Two betting sites posted updates on big wins by their users. One $1,059 wager landed a $63,650 profit. Another $526 bet led to a $52,641 payout.
Robert Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV after the historic decision. The 69-year-old had a message in the moments after being named Pope.
“Peace be with you all!” he said to a roaring crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. “Let it enter your hearts, reach your families, and all people, wherever they are.”
Pope Leo XIV appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful for the first time as the 267th Pope. pic.twitter.com/tsA1a0XSOM
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
News of his election made immediate waves throughout the United States. Prevost received congratulations from both President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama.
Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.
-Barack Obama on X
Robert Prevost is the new Pope. That historic announcement proved to be lucrative for a few sports bettors. With this selection process now behind us, we’ll look forward to seeing the next off-the-wall betting market.