With nine days left to run in the U.S. Presidential race, traders on Betfair are indicating that Barack Obama is set to claim victory in states which have for years been widely regarded as key Republican heartlands.

The Betfair markets are showing that in ‘Red States’ such as North Carolina and Indiana, the Democrats are now favourites to win.  Obama has also closed the gap significantly in North Dakota and Georgia over the last month, with his chances of success rising by 32% and 35% respectively.

The Democrat has enjoyed a tremendous surge in favour on Betfair in all of the key swing states.  At the start of October the Republicans were enjoying a slender lead in Ohio, Missouri and Florida. However, as of today that sentiment has been totally eroded with these markets now displaying high levels of confidence in a Democratic triumph.

Betfair spokesman Michael Robb commented: “For many weeks the signs have all been pointing towards a resounding Obama win and the real interest is now in the margin of victory.  For a Democrat to be in with a chance winning in the likes of Georgia and North Dakota is quite remarkable, and the Betfair markets are showing a 65% chance that Obama will claim more than 351 Electoral College votes overall.

“It means very few states can still be considered safe for the Republicans and Betfair customers are now predicting John McCain will be embarrassed when ‘America Decides’ next week.”

Click here to bet on individual states at Betfair