Betting on New Pope: Italian Cardinal Favored, Dutch Wim Eijk a Jackpot

rome - Foreign gamblers eye lucrative bets on the next Catholic Church leader as Italian and Filipino cardinals emerge as frontrunners. Dutch Cardinal Wim Eijk ranks low but offers high returns for risk-takers.

Betting on the Next Pope

Foreign gamblers are closely watching the papal conclave, able to bet on the next Catholic Church leader unlike in the Netherlands. Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Luis Antonia Tagle lead the predictions, with Parolin at 26% and Tagle at 19% to become the new pope.

Top Contenders

Parolin, a 70-year-old Vatican diplomat, and Tagle, a 67-year-old conservative with vast experience, are favored by international betting sites. While Dutch Cardinal Wim Eijk ranks lower, betting on him could yield significant returns, with a 100x payout possibility.

Legal Restrictions for Dutch Bettors

Dutch citizens are prohibited from betting on the papal election, unlike on certain sports events. However, some may bypass this restriction using VPN services on foreign gambling platforms. The papal conclave for the new pope's election commences on May 7, with 135 eligible cardinals participating behind closed doors.