Tiger Woods Becomes Online Casino Favorite at Masters

Online casinos carrying odds on the Masters golf tournament reacted quickly to the confirmation that Tiger Woods will re-emerge at this year's event. Woods, despite a mountain of personal distractions and months away from the game, was immediately installed as the favorite to win another green jacket at Augusta.

Woods has barely been seen in public, let alone golfed, since Thanksgiving, when a police report on a car accident began the unravelling of a story that contained a domestic disagreement that blew the lid off Tiger's multitude of affairs. Since the parade of Tiger mistresses hit the tabloids, the golf great has concentrated on avoiding the media and convincing wife Elin to give him another chance.

But public belief in Woods is so strong, he is listed by golfodds.com as a 4-1 payoff to win the Masters. VictorChandler.com also makes Tiger the gambling choice to conquer Augusta for the fifth time, putting his odds at 9-2.

And Tiger's importance to the world of golf became more apparent than ever, as sportsbooks and Internet casinos say a record betting handle for any golf event ever may be set at this Masters. Television analysts are predicting ratings might also reach an all-time Masters high.

Phil Mickleson is the second choice, paying between 7-1 and 8-1, depending on which online gambling site checked. To put that in perspective,Tiger was still favored to win at 6-1, before anyone knew whether he'd even play.

ESPN gambling expert Chad Millman says those numbers are actually a bargain. He points out that, without all the controversy, Tiger would probably be posted at 5-2, or even 2-1.

For those wondering if golf would welcome its prodigal star back, the answer can be found in an enormous pile of greenbacks.