Part 1/7:
The Day the Sports Books Held Their Breath: Pope Francis's Death and Nick Castellanos's Home Run Phenomenon
On April 21, 2025, the world was stunned to learn of Pope Francis's passing. As millions mourned the loss of the beloved head of the Catholic Church, a curious juxtaposition emerged: at the same time, sports enthusiasts and gamblers flocked to betting sites, placing wagers on an unlikely candidate, Nick Castellanos, to hit a home run.
The Betting Landscape
In the realm of sports betting, the odds typically favor the sportsbooks. Operators often employ a strategy known as "balancing the book," which ensures that regardless of the outcome—whether the Mets or Phillies take the win—they turn a profit.