Chicago Pope Leo Gives Bettors Faith In Bears, Cubs And Villanova Wildcats
The recent appointment of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has sparked an intriguing wave of betting activity, particularly focused on the sports teams hailing from Chicago. With Prevost’s background and influence, his election has created a unique scenario within the gambling sector, where bettors are now placing wagers rooted in faith and a desire for divine favor.
Initially viewed as an outsider in the papal betting market, Prevost’s odds were set at +5000 on BetMGM, with only 1% of bettors backing his candidacy. However, following his election on May 8, there has been a significant uptick in gambling activity surrounding Illinois sports teams, as fans seek what they perceive as potential divine intervention for their favorite franchises.
Record Bets on the Bears and Cubs
In an unprecedented surge, Hard Rock Bet and ESPN Bet recorded the highest number of bets placed on the Chicago Bears to win the Super Bowl in a single day on May 9, following Prevost’s announcement. This monumental shift saw wagers on the Bears surpassing those of any other team by more than double within 24 hours of the papal proclamation. Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV himself is known to be a White Sox supporter, having been photographed showing his allegiance during the 2005 World Series.
Additionally, Hard Rock Bet noted a remarkable influx of bets on the Chicago Cubs to clinch the World Series, marking the highest daily betting activity since the market’s inception. Neil Walsh, Senior Vice President at Hard Rock Bet, remarked: “Sports fans are seeking any conceivable edge, even divine intervention, to ensure their teams’ success.” He further elaborated that motivations behind these bets vary significantly: “Some bettors rely on statistical analysis, while others trust their instincts, or in this case, perhaps a higher power.”
Wildcats Betting Frenzy
Attention has also shifted to collegiate sports, particularly with the Villanova Wildcats as bettors aggressively back them to seize the NCAA title next year, despite long odds of +8000. Prevost, a 1977 graduate of Villanova University with a degree in mathematics, adds another layer to this phenomenon.
Adam Landeka, Vice President of Sportsbook Strategy & Growth at ESPN Bet, noted, “Betting interest in Villanova basketball saw a dramatic surge practically as soon as the white smoke signaled the Pope’s election.” Although the Bears and Cubs also benefited from increased futures betting, the Wildcats’ surge stands out, with more than 50% of bets and nearly a third of the total handle on next year’s NCAA men’s champion being placed on Villanova.
Data from Pikkit, a leading U.S. online sports betting app that synchronizes users’ sportsbook accounts, shows that Villanova garnered an impressive 70% of the betting volume and accounted for 40% of the total money wagered on national title bets since the announcement.
Moreover, Hard Rock Bet highlighted that many adventurous gamblers are placing ambitious parlay bets, combining futures on the Cubs, Bears, and Villanova for the Holy Trinity of sports victories. A modest $10 wager could yield an astonishing payout of $703,970 if all three outcomes materialize.
In this ever-evolving landscape, the intersection of faith, sports, and betting appears more prominent than ever. As bettors place their trust in both statistical analyses and perceived divine influence, the gambling industry continues to adapt, reflecting current trends and the dynamic nature of sports fandom.
