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Gambling on terrorism

3:31pm Tuesday, 29th July 2003

One of the most bizarre news items I've ever read: apparently, the CIA have decided to open an online betting pool on major international events - such as terrorist attacks, coups and invasions.

The idea is that the market will work its magic, to predict the future course of world events far better than the CIA. You might say, though, that this is more of a comment on America's intelligence services than on the market itself...

Brilliantly unconventional lateral thinking, or just a neo-liberal wet dream? You can read more on the BBC News Online website.

Comments

1
And after all that, they've now cancelled this plan. I wonder whether they managed to predict that?
Posted by Bobby Webster  at 10:53am on Wednesday, 30th July 2003
2
Actually, it was predicted though, of course, there were bets on both sides. Some of those who bet against a government operated version thought a private version might be better and made plans to go ahead in the event it became possible. I expect it will be done one way or another since the idea seems viable.
Posted by back40 back40  at 12:06am on Thursday, 31st July 2003

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