The DNC has shifted the 2024 presidential race betting markets. Now, Vice President Kamala Harris is either slightly ahead or tied with former President Donald Trump. This change follows a surge in bets on Harris, especially during and right after the DNC. However, the market hasn’t fully adjusted to this boost yet.
The odds at different bookmakers show a gap between the two leading candidates. Offshore bookmakers, like Bovada and Bet Online, show Harris as a slight favorite. This reflects bettors’ confidence in her candidacy after the convention. U.K. bookmakers, including Bet365 and Betfair, show a tie between Harris and Trump. This underscores the race’s uncertainty and volatility.
A key sign of this shift comes from Betfair Exchange, a U.K. bookmaker. It runs one of the world’s largest betting exchanges. During the DNC week, over $5.125 million was wagered on the platform. A significant portion of that backed Harris. This surge in bets shows strong support for the Harris-Walz ticket. It is most true during the honeymoon phase after the DNC. Enthusiasm for the new ticket was at its peak then.
But, this initial surge in betting on Harris has cooled somewhat in recent weeks. The vice president had a honeymoon period after the DNC. But, the betting markets have not fully adjusted to reflect a lead. This cooling off could be due to several factors. The campaign trail is unpredictable. There may be doubts about Harris’s ability to maintain her lead. Also, the polarized electorate keeps the race tight.
U.S. bookmakers can’t legally accept bets on politics. So, this action has been confined to offshore and international platforms. Despite this, betting markets are a popular, insightful indicator of public sentiment and candidate strength.
With Harris and Trump either tied or with a slim lead for Harris, the 2024 presidential race is high-stakes and uncertain. As the campaign continues, the betting markets will react to each new development. This includes debates, policy announcements, and unforeseen events on the campaign trail.
The post-DNC bump has made Harris a strong contender. But, the betting markets show no clear favorite. This highlights the uncertainty and tight margins in this race. As the election nears, the betting odds will reflect the public’s view of each candidate’s chances.