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Odds Are Punxsutawney Phil Will See His Shadow30 January 2003ST. JOHN'S, Antigua – (Press Release) -- For the 117th year on February 2nd, millions around the world will breathlessly await as "Punxsutawney Phil" emerges from his burrow in Gobbler's Knob to give his annual end of winter prediction. There's added excitement to the annual Groundhog Day festivities this year, as BetWWTS.com offers odds on whether or not the world's smallest and furriest weather forecaster will see his shadow predicting when winter ends and spring begins. A leading offshore gaming company for over 10 years, BetWWTS.com has listed the early odds heavily in favor of Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow at 1/7 odds (i.e., win $1 for every $7 bet). Those believing that spring is right around the corner, may wager against history by betting that Phil will not see his shadow, currently at 4/1 odds (i.e., win $4 for every $1 bet). "With this winter being especially harsh, there's no doubt the millions of people feeling the effects of the cold snowy weather are hoping that Phil predicts an early start to spring," said Stuart Doyle, chief bet manager of BetWWTS.com. "This year there's a little added pressure for Phil to forecast an end to the dreariness of winter because for the first time in history the sitting governor of Pennsylvania will visit Punxsutawney's Groundhog Day celebration. Odds are that the historic trend of Phil seeing his shadow will prevail again, but there's always the chance that the furry forecaster will come through in the clutch and predict an end to winter." Groundhog Day stretches back to ancient beliefs associated with Candlemas Day by northern Europeans, who believed that if the groundhog saw his shadow, it meant there would be six more weeks of winter. If not, then spring is "just around the corner." Today the holiday is most famously celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where the tradition has made Punxsutawney Phil an American institution. As a result of his fame, Phil has made several television appearances, visited the White House, and served as inspiration for the renowned "Groundhog Day" movie staring Bill Murray in 1993. BetWWTS.com will be offering the Groundhog Day bet through 5:25 a.m. EST on February 2nd, 2003 -- approximately two hours before the official announcement is expected at 7:25 a.m. EST. |