Prediction Markets: Some assorted news

1. Wrap-up of an interesting conference run by Consensus Point (HT: Midas Oracle;  Disclosure: I’m an occasional advisor to Consensus Point).  Robin Hanson tells me that he is now (back to) bullish on prediction markets – he saw real evidence of real firms implementing prediction markets and taking them seriously.
   UPDATE: Another nice summary available here.
2. How to bet real money, in a country in which real money markets are illegal? www.bet2give.com allows you to bet your charitable donations against mine.  You win the bet?  My donations go to your charity.  I win the bet?  Your donations go to my preferred charity.  Brilliant.  Incentives, charitable donations, and legal protection – all good things.  A longer description here.  (HT: Emile Servan-Schreiber of NewsFutures)
3. The ’08 race at InTrade: Latest trading suggest Hillary is a strong favorite to win the Democratic nomination (66% chance).   The Republican primary is a true three horse race.  Most puzzling (to me): How is Obama only a 16% chance?  Some say he is really running for VP, but the markets suggest he is only a 27% chance to win the second spot on the ticket.  My tip: Buy Obama for Prez at 8%.

    [Full disclosure: I’m an occasional advisor to both Consensus Point and NewsFutures]