Trump’s Reelection Odds Keep Improving, But Still the Underdog at Most Sportsbooks

By Robert Duff in Politics News
Updated: September 1, 2020 at 1:39 pm EDTPublished:

- The 2020 race for the White House has drawn closer yet again
- Republican incumbent Donald Trump is at odds of -110 to win reelection
- Democratic challenger Joe Biden still maintains a slight lead at -115
There appears to be a very interesting juxtaposition at work between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the 2020 US Presidential election.
Biden clearly wants to be President. Just as clearly, all that matters right now to Trump is that he wins reelection to the Presidency. And the fact of the matter is that this is what Trump does best.
At heart, he’s a salesman and a media manipulator. But his grift is gaining ground.
Following the Republican National Convention, Trump’s chances of remaining in the Oval Office improved yet again in the 2020 Presidential election odds.
Across the leading online sportsbooks, Trump still trails Biden but the margin is razor-thin. On average, betting houses are now offering Trump at odds of -110. Biden’s odds have faded to -115.
2020 US Presidential Election Odds
Candidate | August 28th Odds | August 21st Odds | Trending |
---|---|---|---|
Joe Biden | -115 | -138 | ↑ |
Donald Trump | -110 | +104 | ↓ |
Kamala Harris | +8867 | +5550 | ↑ |
Mike Pence | +13367 | +13333 | ↑ |
Hillary Clinton | +15500 | +10667 | ↑ |
Nikki Haley | +36667 | +36667 | – |
Michelle Obama | +40000 | +30833 | ↑ |
Andrew Cuomo | +67500 | +67500 | – |
Elizabeth Warren | +82500 | +82500 | – |
Kanye West | +130000 | +105000 | ↑ |
Odds as of Aug. 28th.
A week ago, Biden was ahead at -138 to Trump’s +104 moneyline. This is the first occasion that Trump has shown negative odds since June 1.
Four of the last five Republican incumbents have won a second term in the White House.
Reelection Driving Trump
Trump has fashioned a career out of making people believe that what they’re seeing isn’t what they’re actually seeing. Sure, it sounds crazy, but it’s been his life’s work. And it’s still working for him.
Trump’s daughter Ivanka took to the dais and basically acknowledged that her father was a boorish, bullying buffoon. An obnoxious jerk. But she added, he’s a jerk that gets things done.
Ivanka Trump speaks about the president at the #RNC2020: "I recognize that my dad’s communication style is not to everyone’s taste. And I know his tweets can feel a bit…unfiltered. But the results speak for themselves.” pic.twitter.com/KV7Dkr0u6p
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 28, 2020
Consider the past week during the RNC convention. Speaker after speaker railed on about how America would erode under a Biden Presidency in front of a backdrop of demonstrations, protests and social unrest currently ongoing in the country.
You know, the country in which their guy is the one in charge. This is the ultimate in gaslighting. It’s bait and switch at its finest.
Remember: every example of violence Donald Trump decries has happened on his watch. Under his leadership. During his presidency.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 28, 2020
Based on the odds, it also appears to be working. Bookmakers at a variety of betting houses are seeing plenty of recent action on Trump.
Polls Staying With Biden
The narrowing gap in the betting line isn’t as evident in the polling numbers. According to data from Real Clear Politics, the latest information shows Biden ahead of Trump nationally by eight points at 50-42.
Several key battleground states are also still swaying toward Biden. Michigan shows Biden ahead 49.3-42.3. In Pennsylvania, the edge is 49.8-44.3 in favor of Biden.
Summer 2016 vs. Summer 2020 pic.twitter.com/0ThgaE6n2g
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) August 25, 2020
Wisconsin (48-44.5), Ohio (47-44.7), and Florida (49-45.3) are other key states leaning Biden’s way. Trump didn’t help his cause in Ohio when he bashed the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Goodyear employs some 62,000 in the state.
Don’t Discount The Donald
Trump gets plenty of criticism, almost all of it deserved. He snubs his nose at tradition, has no time for ethics, and cares little about the welfare of others.
However, it’s a fool who discounts the fight in the man. Trump is used to getting his way and taking whatever means necessary to get it done.
ICYMI, the betting odds seem to be shifting back in #Trump’s favour: #Biden still favourite at 4/5, but Trump has come in to 11/10.
This seems to reflect a few (rogue?) polls suggesting Trump is ahead where it matters, helped by an improving economy… (1/3)
— Julian Jessop 🏴 (@julianHjessop) August 24, 2020
It was around this time of year during the 2016 election cycle that sportsbooks began to see a surge in action on Trump. That phenomenon appears to be unfolding again in 2020.
The smart money made the right call four years ago. Are they on to something again?

Sports Writer
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.