One of the things that internet betting has done to the industry is create ever more 'special event' markets - by this I mean - if you can think of a betting event, there'll be an online betting site willing to offer it. And its not just who's going to win the next american idol.

My current favourites are:

Bodog.com are offering odds on:
"Will Oprah Winfrey announce that she has converted to Scientology before December 31, 2005? "

"Will Donald Trump and Melania Knauss have a boy or a girl? "

"What will Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck name their first-born child?"

On William Hill they're already offering odds on the next US president (in 2008) - currently Hilary Clinton is favourite at 11/4
and of course - a British stalwart bet - Will there be snow at Christmas this Year?"

Over at the exchanges, the clever folks at Betfair.com offer specials and politics betting for different countries - whether it be Scandinavia (Nordic Music Awards), Italy (La Talpa), and Idols programs in South Africa and Australia.

But are the odds worth it? In the industry they were originally known as a mug's bet (idiot's need only apply). But as gamblers have got more savvy, there is money to be made - especially on Oscar betting- a great place to find value since the people who create the odds usually have as much (or less) idea than any of us, as well as reality TV shows - again, in a wide-open contest, for once you have as much chance as the bookie..

So look carefully, and there is money to be made