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2016 Summer Olympics betting odds released

By Jeff Glauser

Aug 6, 2014; Rio de Janiero, BRA; A general view of HSBC Arena site of gymnastics at Olympic Park during the second world press briefing in preparation for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2014; Rio de Janiero, BRA; A general view of HSBC Arena site of gymnastics at Olympic Park during the second world press briefing in preparation for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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With football and playoff baseball still over a month away, the world is need of quenching its sports gambling fix. Luckily, there’s Rio to the rescue.

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As the start of the 2016 Summer Olympics are officially in countdown mode, there is plenty for betting junkies to pounce on. Renowned sports handicapper “Vegas Dave” Oancea recently released picks for the upcoming games in Brazil.

Here are some of the highlights:

For total medal count, the USA has an over-under set at 103.5—highest of any nation—with even odds for 42.5 golds.

Usain Bolt (Jamaica) is the only athlete where you need to put out more than you’d get back in the men’s 100m and 200m (-170 and -225, respectively). His 4×100 Jamaican team is also favored, with the United States slated second. Bolt has three gold medals in each of the past two Olympics.

However, USA has the water covered: Americans are favored in the men’s 4×200 freestyle swimming, both the men’s and women’s 100m breaststroke (Josh Prenot and Lilly King), men’s 200m butterfly (Michael Phelps, looking to build off his record 22 medals in three previous Games).

Katie Ledecky is also favored to win the women’s 200m and 400m freestyle, the latter requiring an astounding $5000 to win $100.

As for basketball, Team USA unsurprisingly has the market cornered for both genders, as well.

The men are set at -1200. Team France—featuring the likes of Tony Parker, Nicholas Batum and Boris Diaw—and Team Spain (the Gasol Brothers, Ricky Rubio, Nikola Mirotic) both follow at +1000.

Meanwhile, the women are the clear favorites to take home another hoops gold (-1400), with Australia the next closest (+950).

The competition is a little more closely matched in soccer. Host nation Brazil, Argentina and Germany are most likely to be at the winners podium for the men, and USA, Germany and France the favorites on the women’s side.

Opening Ceremonies for the 2016 Olympics in Rio begin Friday, August 5.

For more Summer Olympics coverage, you can check out our hub page.

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