Mike Bloomberg Joins Las Vegas Democratic Debate, Odds Heavily Favor Bernie Sanders in Nevada Caucus

Posted on: February 19, 2020, 12:02h. 

Last updated on: February 18, 2020, 03:35h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Mike Bloomberg has met the requirements to be on the Democratic debate stage tonight in Las Vegas at the Paris Theater.

Mike Bloomberg 2020 odds
Mike Bloomberg’s polling numbers are improving following an aggressive campaign spending blitz that has qualified him for the debate stage for the first time. (Image: AP/Casino.org)

Though it’s the ninth debate among Democratic candidates who are seeking to evict President Donald Trump from the White House, tonight marks the first time the billionaire Bloomberg will go head-to-head with his opponents.

The business tycoon is funding his campaign in record fashion. Since declaring his intent to become the 46th commander in chief, Bloomberg has spent more than $344 million of his own fortune on his campaign. Estimated by Forbes to be worth $64 billion, his 2020 run spend represents just one-half percent of his net worth.

I will make it a priority of my presidency to close the wealth gap,” Bloomberg tweeted yesterday.

Bloomberg’s limitless campaign money is resonating with some voters. His PredictIt shares of securing the Democratic ticket have surged over the last three months from nine cents to 32 cents. But it’s Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders who remains the betting favorite, his shares at 48 cents.

Along with Sanders and Bloomberg, the other candidates on tonight’s stage are former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Take to the Bank

When it comes to gambling in Las Vegas, there’s no such thing as a “sure bet.” But assuming there is no bombshell during tonight’s debate, Sanders appears to be a lock to win the majority of the delegate votes at the Nevada caucuses this Saturday, February  22.

The Real Clear Politics average has Sanders with a commanding 14-point lead, the Vermont Senator polling at 30 percent. Biden is a distant second at 16 percent, and Warren third at 12.5 percent.

The PredictIt market asking, “Who will win the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucuses?” has Sanders way out in front at 84 cents. Should he win, bettors who take those odds net 16 cents per $1 wagered. PredictIt allows bettors to wager up to $850 on each market question.

Biden’s shares are at nine cents, Buttigieg seven cents, and billionaire Tom Steyer three cents. Bloomberg is at a penny.

Four years ago, Nevada Democrats favored Hillary Clinton. She grabbed 20 delegates, while Sanders came in second with 15.

Political Bickering

Many are talking about Bloomberg using his endless riches to fund his political campaign. The billionaire isn’t accepting donations or contributions of any kind.

“What Mini Mike is doing is nothing less than a large scale, illegal campaign contribution,” Trump tweeted, while also mocking his height. “Mini is illegally buying the Democrat nomination. They are taking it away from Bernie again. Mini Mike, Major Party Nominations are not for sale! Good luck in the debate tomorrow night and remember, no standing on boxes!”

Bloomberg fired back, “Why do you want to run against Bernie so badly?” Trump answered, “No, I would rather run against you!” Bloomberg countered, “Can’t trust a word you say – and now you want us to believe you? See you in November.”

As for the 2020 presidential winner, Trump’s PredictIt shares are at 54 cents. Sanders is next at 30 cents, and Bloomberg third at 18 cents. Which party wins the White House in November has Republican shares at 59 cents, and Democratic shares at 44 cents.