'Al Gore' Arrest Costs Bookie Thousands

The Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, which specializes in wacky bets and unlikely celebrity outcomes, today tripped over its own statistical odds in a bizarre bet involving the former US vice-president, Al Gore.

Having opened a book on the next high profile American to be arrested, it offered a rather eye-catching 14-1 on the former senator. What it didn't factor in was that Mr Gore has a 24-year-old son, also called Al.

So when Al Jr (Al Gore III in fact) was pulled over by a sheriff's deputy in California this week and arrested for drug possession, he was not the only one in trouble.

Recognising it would be bad sportsmanship to quibble about the distinction between a father and son bearing identical names, the betting firm decided to pay up.

"We got a good stoning thanks to the vice-president's son," the company said in a statement today. The "bizarre coincidence" has cost it more than 10,000 euros.

Around 50 punters placed bets on Mr Gore; a number have been quick to claim their winnings.

In the same contest it had ranked president George Bush and Bill Gates among the outsiders on odds of 33-1 and 50-1 respectively.

Paddy Power has explored many of the less likely permutations of celebrity lifestyles. It is currently offering odds on what Britney Spears will name her new album - Integrity and Dignity are the current hot favorites.

There is a whole section of "Paris Hilton specials". Odds of 66-1 are offered on her recording Jailhouse Rock this year and only 10-1 of her returning to prison before January 1st 2008.

There is even a book open on which prince - Harry or William - will be the first to become engaged. William is at 4-6 and Harry at 11-10. Clarence House or the prince will have to confirm it for any winnings to be paid out though.