Chicago odds-on to land 2016 Olympic Games

WITH one week to go until decision-day it looks like the Olympic Games will be heading across the pond to the United States in 2016, that`s if the betting on Betfair is anything to go by. Chicago is currently 4-5 favourite with customers to be voted as the next host of the world`s biggest sporting event.

The nearest challenge appears to be coming from Rio de Janeiro, currently 9-4, with Tokyo next in the betting at 6-1. Madrid is 13-1 to bounce back from losing out to London for 2012 and be given the nod four years on.

Candidates for the 2016 Games will learn their fate on 2nd October 2009.

Betfair spokesman Michael Robb said: "The President of the International Olympic Committee thinks it will come down to a couple of votes, but Betfair customers clearly think it`s Chicago in the driving seat.

"The Windy City has led the market since Barack Obama became President and customers may well have made a connection between the two on the back of his popularity. Will Obama oversee an Olympics at the end of a potential second term? At the moment the odds suggest he may well do just that."

2016 Olympics Host City - Betfair bet:

• 4-5 Chicago, 9-4
• Rio de Janeiro
• 6-1 Tokyo
• 13-1 Madrid