Crazy Paddy Power Novelty Bets

If you're tired of betting on traditional sports like the horses and the football, it's worth checking out Irish-based online bookmaker Paddy Power, which offers a huge selection of novelty bets.

Obamania
Paddy Power has a range of betting options on questions to do with the man of the moment, US president-elect Barack Obama.

Will Smith, 6/4 heads the list of actors tipped to play Obama in the first major blockbuster about his presidency. OJ Simspon is a 100/1 longshot.

With all the talk in Washington centering on the imminent purchase of a new first dog, punters can now hedge their bets on what the Obamas will call it. Ironically, George, the first name of outgoing president Bush Jr., is the favorite at 8/1, followed by Washington, 10/1, and Denzel, 12/1. Osama is a 500/1 long-shot.

To those with some patience, bets can be placed on either of Obama's two daughters ever becoming president. Malia is 20/1, and Sasha 25/1.

Religious controversy
One betting option that could prove controversial is the "Does God exist?" option. At 4/1, scientific proof of God's existence must emerge by December 31, 2009, for the bet to be successful. For some bizarre reason, a 500/1 option exists on British comedian and television personality Russell Brand being proved to be God.

Other crazy options
Other betting options include: Who will replace Jerry Yang to be the next Yahoo! chief; whether same sex marriage will be legalized in Ireland by 2015; and the Racing Post's betting shop manager of the year (across the United Kingdom and Ireland).

Novelty bets are well worth taking a look at, even if just for amusement.