Anyone who lost money betting on the election may find a way of making it back by wagering on Alex Salmond’s choice of celebratory meal or his chances of appearing as James Bond.
According to bookmakers
Ladbrokes, Mr Salmond is just 1/5 to wear his favourite multi-saltire tie whilst being sworn in, whereas it's 66/1 he wears a kilt for the ceremony.
It's 4/1 he celebrates his victory with a trip to a curry house. The racing enthusiast is 50/1 to own a winner of the Scottish Grand National in his lifetime – and, despite being pals with Sean Connery, it's 500/1 that he plays the lead role in a James Bond film at any time.
Whilst Mr Salmond may be celebrating, Labour are currently on the hunt for a new leader and the initial bookies' favourite is Jackie Baillie at 2/1. It's 4/1 that either Hugh Henry or John Park will take over, with Malcolm Chisholm a 6/1 chance.
The victory for the SNP is predicted to have cost the betting industry up to £1 million in total.
“Legions of punters will be raising a glass to Salmond tonight," said Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes. "They never lost faith and his party's victory has cost us thousands.
“Jackie Baillie is our early favourite to take over in the Labour hot seat but faces stiff competition from Henry. We've also seen money for [Johann] Lamont and at this stage it still looks wide open.”
Ladbrokes latest betting
Scottish to vote yes for full independence before 2015 – 5/2
Scottish to vote no for full independence before 2015 – 2/7
Next Scottish Labour leader
Jackie Baillie – 2/1
Hugh Henry – 4/1
John Park – 4/1
Malcolm Chisholm – 6/1
Johann Lamont – 8/1
Richard Baker – 10/1
Kezia Dugdale – 25/1
Alex Salmond specials
To wear his multi-saltire tie when being sworn in – 1/5
To be photographed wearing a kilt in public whilst first minister – evens
To wear a kilt to be sworn in – 66/1
To be photographed celebrating victory in a curry house before midnight on 13 May – 4/1
To be at the first Hearts game of next season – 4/1
To own a winner of the Scottish Grand National in his lifetime – 50/1
To be the next James Bond – 500/1
Want to discuss other issues? Join the debate on our new Scottish Voices forum
Related posts:
- Diary: Salmond’s border skirmish
- What now for the Scottish Labour leadership?
- Diary: fancy a flutter on polling day?
