Friendly political wager

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A friendly political wager is a largely symbolic wager made between politicians representing two cities or areas on the outcome of an important sports contest between teams representing those same two cities or areas. These wagers are most commonly made on the results of playoffs in the National Hockey League, National Football League and Major League Baseball. Although they are technically a form of sports betting, they are generally considered good fun, good sportsmanship and good public relations.

[edit] Differences from typical sports betting

Friendly political wagers

The wagers are highly publicised, usually with official press releases.
The participants are generally high-ranking politicians; most commonly mayors, but also frequently including governors^[1] and United States Senators.
The participants must bet in favor of the team that they represent; for instance, the mayor of Green Bay would only make a friendly wager of this sort on the outcome of a Green Bay Packers game, betting in favor of the Packers.
Usually occur during high-profile playoff games.
Are for symbolic wagers, usually prestige or food.