First-Ever Transgender Miss Universe Contestant is Garnering Plenty of Betting Action

At first glance, there’s nothing in particular that makes Miss Spain stand out at the upcoming Miss Universe competition – just another beautiful and talented woman among the dozens of others who will represent their countries at the annual pageant in Bangkok, Thailand on December 16-17.

But there is something unique and very inspiring about Angela Ponce – she is the first transgender woman to represent any country at the international competition. Ponce had competed in the Miss Universe Spain pageant previously, but this is her first time winning the qualifying event and she will be a trailblazer for future transgender competitors.

Transgender Competitors Were Banned Until 2012

Miss Universe, famously owned by Donald Trump until he began his political career, did not allow transgender competitors until 2012. The irony is not lost, then, that after Trump’s attempt to ban transgender individuals from the United States military, it will be a former business of his that will celebrate diversity and draw attention to transgender issues facing the world today.

Ponce has indicated that she will be using her position as Miss Spain to call action to transgender discrimination, transgender teen suicide rates and laws around the world that affect the transgender community.

The Betting World Has Taken Notice

Betting on the Miss Universe pageant is not new, but there has been an intense interest in this year’s event due to Ponce breaking new ground. It also appears that bettors are backing Ponce not only to compete but to win.

Miss Spain opened with +5000 betting odds at online shop Sportsbook but betting action has moved her odds all the way to +1000. In other words, from a 50-to-1 longshot to 10 to 1. These are better odds than other contenders Miss Brazil, Miss Ecuador and Miss Vietnam at +1500.

Current Betting Favorites

While Ponce’s odds offer very good value, the betting favorites remain Miss Philippines (+500), Miss Puerto Rico (+500), Miss Thailand (+800) and Miss USA (+800).

Miss South Africa won last year’s event and South Africa sits at +1200 to repeat, although there have never been back-to-back winners from the same country.

The United States has won the event on eight occasions but has not claimed the crown since 2012. Venezuela has the second-most wins all-time at seven, while Puerto Rico is third with five wins.

Check below for full betting odds for the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant:

Odds as of December 12 at Sportsbook