As many Oscar contenders get re-released into theaters this weekend, debates will rage over their respective merits. But with Vegas bookies showing an interest, does this mean that we already know who will win on February 27?
The final award of the night is for Best Picture and Johnny Avello, the executive director of the race and sports book at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino, believes that The Social Network is the 2-3 odds on favorite (this means that you need to bet $3 in order to win just $2 back plus your stake). Benjamin Eckstein of America’s Line is even more certain, going 1-3 on David Fincher’s film.
(More on TIME.com: Who will win and who got snubbed at the Oscar nominations?)
If Eckstein is right with his other predictions, we can say with almost 100% certainty that Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) will win Best Actor as he’s 15-1 on and Natalie Portman (Black Swan) should take home Best Actress at 2-5.
Needless to say, this is all for fun as Nevada doesn’t allow betting on novelty events such as the Academy Awards (and NewsFeed would never condone gambling).
Over in the U.K., however, everything is fair game and, though we reiterate it’s just for fun, a cursory glance at the odds may offer some value bets. Film critic Roger Ebert, for instance, may wish to have a flutter on True Grit — which he thinks could win Best Picture — because a mighty 33/1 is on offer in that market. If you think Oscar co-host James Franco will be announcing his own success, you could share in it as he’s 16/1 to win Best Actor for his portrayal of Aron Ralson in 127 Hours. And if the two Supporting Actress candidates in The Fighter (Melissa Leo and Amy Adams) cancel each other out with the voters, why shouldn’t True Grit‘s Hailee Steinfeld steal in and win at a tempting 4/1?
(More on TIME.com: The 100 best movies of all time.)
And there are even some special bets on offer. Will Firth deliver his victory speech in the stammering manner of King George VI? Apparently so (4/6). Will any speech merely consist of the phrase “Thank you”? 10/1 says it will. And is it possible that a streaker will run on stage and disrupt the ceremony? If you believe that’s going to take place, feel free to make a small fortune at 33/1 so long as you promise that the money won’t change you and you’ll remember where you heard it first. (via AP)