The fun of having a bet often lies in the possible short term outcome of having a gamble and the adrenaline rush that ensues. In a world which constantly moves at an increasing pace, where food, entertainment and leisure are consumed rapidly and avidly it goes against the grain to speculate, but as those hedge fund boys in the city know, sometimes it is worth putting off that quick fix for an increased return. Novelty betting often gives just such an opportunity and bookmakers Paddy Power are offering just this type of book on who will host the 2012 Oscar Ceremony.

The next Oscars do not take place until the Spring of 2012, but in the same way that it soon becomes clear in the British calendar who will be in line for Sports Personality Of The Year and the odds shorten with great speed, so in the U.S speculation about who will host the most important night in Hollywood starts early. Leading the list is Oprah Winfrey at Odds of 6/1 and its a good choice. Winfrey is not only entertainment royalty in the states with her boundary breaking TV shows but she is closely linked to The White House and the democratic leadership.

She has finally given up the reins of her TV programme, bowing out with extravaganzas in Australia amongst other places and whilst it has been suggested she is now going to concentrate on her production company and other projects it is unimaginable that she will be out of the limelight for long. Hosting the Oscars would not only be well within her skill set, it would tip Oscars hat to one of the most influential people in US television anf for the Academy would be a safe pair of hands.

Steve Martin and Billy Crystal are also at the top of the list, the latter having already had experience at the job and indicates the tradition of a comedic heart to the otherwise serious business of handing out the industrys top awards. The US has been going through troubled times economically andwhilst a lightness of touch could be just the medicine needed, a successful entrepreneur and entertainment guru could be just the medicine that the populace requires. Any punter who has the patience to wait 6 or 7 months for a reward would be advised to study this book.

Odds plus a host of Novelty Betting Opportunities courtesy of Paddy Power

Oprah Winfrey 6/1Steve Martin 8/1Bradley Cooper 9/1Billy Crystal 9/1Jon Stewart 10/1Alec Baldwin 12/1Will Smith 12/1Jennifer Aniston 16/1Tom Hanks 16/1Kristen Wig 16/1Whoopi Goldberg 16/1Jack Black 16/1

Others On Request