Montreal

Loto-Québec taking bets on whether Donald Trump will still be in office in 2018

Bets on the outcome of a Donald Trump presidency are officially open.

The odds of the Mise-o-jeu wager can vary over time, depending on news events

The wager asks whether Donald Trump will still be the U.S. president after May 1, 2018. (Mike Stone/Reuters)

Bets on the outcome of a Donald Trump presidency are officially open.

On Wednesday, Loto-Québec invited players on its Mise-o-jeu platform to wager on the following question: "Will Donald Trump still be president of the United States after May 1, 2018?"

According to its current odds, the provincial Crown corporation seems to believe it's likely he'll still be in office — about three and a half times more likely.

Bettors who put $1 on Trump's departure would receive $3.65, compared to only $1.10 for those who wager he will stay.

These odds, however, can vary over time, depending on news events and other changes.

Betting will be open until Oct. 1.

Spokesperson Patrice Lavoie said Loto-Québec reaches its odds through an internal analysis that includes news and polls.

"It is a careful calculation that ultimately allows us to demonstrate whether there is a greater chance that the yes or the no will prevail," he said.

It's the latest foray into political betting for the Quebec Crown corporation, which also took wagers on the outcome of last year's U.S. presidential election.

That one set a Loto-Québec record as "our most popular non-sporting bet of all time," Lavoie said.