'AMERICAN ODOL' IS MORE THAN AN IDLE TV SHOW FOR BETTING FANS

First there was "The Real World," which started on MTV in 1992. Then there was "Survivor," a CBS staple since 2000. But no reality show has gained the mass appeal, including the betting attention, of "American Idol," which has been broadcast by Fox since 2002 and currently is in its eighth season.

 

This year, the semi-final field was increased from 24 to 36 singers, which not only widened the cast of would-be vocal stars but also expanded wagering opportunities for both bet makers and bet takers. As horse race betting purists know, the bigger field, the better the value and the larger the potential payoff. On the other side of the counter, bookmakers can add a little more vigorish to their odds with a larger field, protecting themselves against a victory by a severe longshot.

 

Not only is the "American Idol" field increase bettor-friendly but the new format, where three groups of 12 compete and those not selected by America's votes still have a chance to make the final 12 through a second round, also assures that no singer will be eliminated for weeks to come. That's good for future book betting action.

 

Based on comments by the judges, the early favorite to win "American Idol 8" is Danny Gokey at odds of 5/1.

 

But critical acclaim from the judges is no guarantee of success as a fickle public, which takes over the elimination process now with their telephone votes, often is swayed by factors beyond talent, such as a compelling life story. Gokey, 28, who can sing, seems to have that going for him too though, having lost his wife earlier this year.

 

Beyond Gokey, only two other warblers, Adam Lambert, 13/2; and Matt Giraud, 15/2, are in single digits. The majority of the 36-person field is lined up in the 10/1 to 75/1 range with five singers listed at odds of 100/1 or more, with the highest odds being 160/1.

 

Odds are likely to change quickly so if you see someone you like, or, more appropriately, hear someone you think can win at a decent price, it's probably a good idea to make your "American Idol" betting move now, especially since an early play doesn't preclude you from making another wager later on in the competition.

 

For the feint at heart, there's also a gender bet on the "American Idol" winner with any generic male contestant listed as -130 (bet $130 to win $100) and any female champion offered at +110 (bet $100 to win $110).

 

The aforementioned "Survivor Tocantins: The Brazilian Highland," also is in full swing, with 16 gung-ho competitors trying to "Outwit, Outplay and Outlast" each other for the $1 million first place prize.

 

James Thomas, a 24-year-old cattle rancher from Arkansas, opened as the early 5/1 favorite to be the lone survivor of the 39-day ordeal. The trick in "Survivor" is to be good but not too good. You want to be a valued member of your tribe but not so dominant as to be perceived as a threat. Reality show betting aficionados will have to decide if Thomas is the player to thread that needle.

 

Tyson Apostol, 29, a former pro cyclist, and Benjamin Wade, a 37-year-old soccer coach each are held at odds of 6/1.

 

Tamara Johnson-George is the highest rated female at odds of 7/1.

 

Interestingly, three female models began the competition, Sydney Wheeler and Candace Smith, each 15/1, and Sierra Reed, 20/1. Those who have watched the show know that romance can bloom and attraction can be as much a strategy as an emotion.

 

That said, like "American Idol," a man is favored to win "Survivor." It's -120 that a guy wins and +120 that the champion is a woman.

 

So, whether it's "American Idol" betting or "Survivor" betting, the reality is, there really is gambling on reality television.

 

This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com