Comment Text:
An election is not a literal horse race, not is it a casino game or sporting event. It is a serious thing and not for fun. If there was betting on elections, it could sway the turn out, because the bookmakers would surely post odds if there was betting on elections.
People are going to bet on elections among themselves, but that is something you cannot control. These informal things are free speech, but betting the way people bet on sports or the lottery is quite another. Organized betting is a profit making enterprise.