National firm favourite in election betting

The Government's budget has not helped its election odds with National firming as the favourite to win the election, according to Australian bookmaker Centrebet.

National was paying $1.47 when betting opened in February this year, but that had since firmed to $1.42 with one Auckland punter putting $5000 on the party in recent days.

By contrast Labour's odds had lengthened from $2.60 to $2.75.

The election is expected in late October or early November.

- NZPA