Volume 54, Number 3, 231-248, DOI: 10.1023/A:1027387507335

The Favorite-Longshot Bias in Sequential Parimutuel Betting with Non-Expected Utility Players

Frédéric Koessler, Anthony Ziegelmeyer and Marie-Hélène Broihanne

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Abstract

This paper analyzes a model of sequential parimutuel betting described as a two-horse race with a finite number of noise bettors and a finite number of strategic and symmetrically informed bettors. For generic objective probabilities that the favorite wins the race, a unique subgame perfect equilibrium is characterized. Additionally, two explanations for the favorite–longshot bias—according to which favorites win more often than the market's estimate of their winning chances imply—are offered. It is shown that this robust anomalous empirical regularity might be due to the presence of transaction costs and/or to strategic bettors' subjective attitude to probabilities.

Favorite–longshot bias - Non-expected utility under risk - Parimutuel betting - Sequential decisions

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