Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has widened his lead in betting odds over Democratic rival Kamala Harris as the 2024 White House race nears its conclusion. Trump’s lead has grown following controversial statements at a Univision town hall and during rallies in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Democrats have raised concerns about Trump’s age and behavior, with his campaign responding by questioning Harris’ ability to hold office. Trump’s lead in the betting action, not accessible to U.S. bookmakers, is the largest since Harris joined the race. Mysterious accounts have placed $30 million in crypto bets on a Trump victory on the prediction market Polymarket, leading to questions about the site’s sudden shift to favor Trump. While not illegal, these bets have raised suspicions about potential manipulation for social media buzz and influencing perceptions of Trump’s lead. The election forecast site FiveThirtyEight currently gives Trump a slight edge over Harris to win the election, despite polls showing a close race. Trump’s controversial statements and behavior, coupled with the large bets on his victory, have intensified the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the 2024 election.
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