Bookmakers Steer Clear of Donald Trump Inauguration, Hillary Clinton Says She’s Coming

Posted on: January 4, 2017, 10:38h. 

Last updated on: January 4, 2017, 12:52h.

Casino.org Staff Writer Read More

Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office as the 45th commander-in-chief on January 20. But oddsmakers are no longer having a field day with the billionaire former casino owner, as Trump’s inauguration committee is reportedly struggling to book A-list entertainment for the historic event.

Elton John, Celine Dion, Kiss, Garth Brooks, and Andrea Bocelli are just a few of the names who have reportedly turned down opportunities to perform in Washington, DC. However, the inauguration scored its seemingly least likely attendee this week with the announcement that former President Bill Clinton and Trump’s Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton will both be in attendance. It’s tradition for all ex-presidents to do so.

But the inaugural committee is still searching for its headlining entertainment. Though Trump’s team has landed the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and former “America’s Got Talent” contestant Jackie Evancho, that lineup pales in comparison to President Barack Obama’s first induction. In 2009, it was Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor who performed, as Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods sat close by.

All Bets Off

It appears overseas bookmakers have finally learned their lesson when it comes to Donald Trump. Multiple sites paid a heavy price for believing Clinton would easily defeat The Donald last November.

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power paid out early on Clinton bets. In an October blog post titled “A Woman’s Place is in the House, the White House!” the sports book said Clinton’s general election bid was a “done deal” and she was a “certainty to occupy the Oval Office.”

Fast-forward three months, and Paddy Power has withdrawn all of its Trump specials, except for which country he’ll visit first as president.

While online sports books may be steering clear of offering odds on who might additionally join the festivities, Kanye West and Ted Nugent both seem like possible frontrunners. West met with Trump in December in New York City, and Nugent is a longtime GOP supporter who made multiple campaign appearances last year.

Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura will also be in attendance, a positive sign for the Republican Party. Bush Sr. and wife Barbara, both now in their 90s, will not attend, due to their age and health.

Twitter Trip-Ups

Trump’s divisive general election campaign has left many of his opponents unwilling to accept defeat graciously, and while the billionaire has made attempts to unify the country since winning on November 8, he understands plenty of detractors remain.

His New Year’s Twitter message embodied that sentiment.

“Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don’t know what to do. Love!” Trump tweeted.

The Republican’s Twitter-slinging actions are seen as an effective form of communication by his supporters. Others, however, believe it’s dangerous for the world’s most powerful person to be tweeting at all hours of the night.

PredictIt.org, the online betting website that sells shares of potential outcomes on political events, asks, “How many totally false statements will Trump make in January?” A share of “3 or fewer” is currently the costliest at 55 cents.

Trump might only have two more false statements to go, as pundits are criticizing his recent tweets denouncing the alleged Russian hacking of American political groups. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers, FBI Director James Comey, and CIA Director John Brennan are all scheduled to brief Trump on the hacking this week.