Election betting: Coalition – better than bank interest?

The betting markets are in full swing for the 14 September 2013.

I will be posting on this issue from time to time and here is the first take.

There are seven betting agencies offering odds for the election. The best I can see for the Coalition is $1.17; best for Labor $4.85. A week or so ago, Coalition were $1.28 and Labor $3.65. But Craig Thomson, Newspoll, Essential poll and a few dollars of wagers saw the blow out.

Seven months from election day, and betting markets offer little guide to outcomes. That said, $1.17 would be a nice 17% tax free return for those who reckon the race is all but over and Mr Abbott will be in the Lodge in September.