Bettors wagered millions on the next pope's identity

Online gamblers wagered over $40 million on prediction markets to predict the next pope, with one bettor winning $52,000 on a long-shot prediction. The betting occurred on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, with Kalshi handling over $30 million in trades. The new Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, had low odds, but a single bettor profited significantly from his selection. Prediction markets, which allow users to bet on future events, are growing in popularity but face scrutiny. Experts advise responsible betting, emphasizing that wagering should be within an entertainment budget.