Betting on next pope gains popularity ahead of conclave

Next week's conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics is a solemn affair steeped in centuries-old traditions.

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But far from the Sistine Chapel where cloistered cardinals will cast votes, people are placing bets on who will be chosen as the next pope.

From cash bets on websites to online games modeled after fantasy football leagues and casual wagers among friends and families, the popularity of guessing and gambling on the future of the papacy is increasing worldwide, experts and participants say.

It's even topped the Europa League soccer tournament and Formula One drivers' championship, said Sam Eaton, UK manager for Oddschecker, a leading online platform analyzing odds across sports, events, and other betting markets.

"There's a huge level of interest globally," he said. "I don't think we've had a market like this where we've had so many countries interested in seeing odds."

Thousands of people from some 140 countries have visited Oddschecker to review each cardinal's chances of becoming the next pope, Eaton said. He noted special eagerness in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.

In the UK, about 30,000 pounds (almost $40,000) have been wagered with one leading online betting platform as of this week, Eaton said - a far cry from 1.2 million pounds on the singing contest Eurovision but still noteworthy as a trend, with the conclave days away.