Odds to Win 'Dancing With the Stars' Updated

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- With the season premiere of "Dancing With the Stars" debuting tomorrow night, PinnacleSports.com has released updated odds on which celebrity contestant will win the
Dancing With the Stars debuts September 12, 2007.  latest edition of the hit reality show. The source for betting odds on all things entertainment-related, PinnacleSports.com originally opened wagering on "Dancing With the Stars" just minutes after ABC unveiled the show's famous participants, which include an NFL legend, a pair of former teen heartthrobs, a former politician turned talk-show host, a conservative political pundit and a country musician, among others.

The odds-on favorite when betting opened, former "Saved by the Bell" star Mario Lopez, remains the favorite to take the dancing crown at 3/1 (i.e., win $3 for every $1 bet). PinnacleSports.com lists actress Vivica A. Fox with the second-best odds at 4/1 to add the "Dancing With the Stars" crown to her list of credits that already includes "Kill Bill" and "Independence Day". Monique Coleman of "High School Musical" fame is listed at 9/2 while former teen heartthrob Joey Lawrence is at 6/1 to win ABC's celebrity dance-off. Hoping to avenge wife Lisa Rinna's fourth place finish last season, former "L.A. Law" star Harry Hamlin is a solid contender to win the celebrity dance-off at 13/2.

"Reality shows like 'Dancing With the Stars' and 'American Idol' have become extremely popular with bettors, even rivaling wagering on some of the world's most popular sporting events," said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. "It's extremely difficult to handicap the show before the contestants even perform their first dance, but bettors agree that Mario Lopez and Vivica A. Fox have the inside track to win the celebrity reality show. Since first opening betting, Harry Hamlin has also gained support from players who believe his wife's appearance on the last edition of 'Dancing With the Stars' can only help with his preparation for the show."

PinnacleSports.com lists pop singer Willa Ford at 9/1 to be named the dancing queen, while country artist Sara Evans stands at 10/1. The NFL's all- time leading rusher Emmitt Smith currently stands at 14/1 to add the "Dancing With the Stars" title to his three Super Bowl rings. Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler and conservative political pundit Tucker Carlson are both listed at 23/1, while talk show host Jerry Springer is the biggest long shot to win the reality series at 49/1.

PinnacleSports.com will offer wagering on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" throughout the entirety of the series. For more information and a complete list of betting options, please visit www.pinnaclesports.com.

  Odds to Win "Dancing With the Stars"

    Mario Lopez                   3/1
    Vivica A. Fox                   4/1
    Monique Coleman        9/2
    Joey Lawrence              6/1
    Harry Hamlin                13/2
    Willa Ford                      9/1
    Sara Evans                   10/1
    Emmitt Smith               14/1
    Shanna Moakler          23/1
    Tucker Carlson            23/1
    Jerry Springer              49/1