The miracle of childbirth will turn a profit for some BC gamblers next week.
The BC Lottery Corporation has released the betting odds on where the first baby of 2024 will be born.
UHNBC in Prince George is a risky bet, but it would pay out 33 times what was put in if it were to hit.
The favourite among the province’s 23 hospitals is the BC Women’s Hospital (3.5), although the New Year’s Baby hasn’t been born there since 2017.
Last year’s first baby was born in Abbotsford Regional.
Gamblers can also bet on what names will be the most popular next year.
Olivia is the clear favourite for the girls – that was the most popular female name in the province for seven of the last eight years.
Emma, Charlotte, Isla, and Sophia have also consistently been in the top seven.
After being a top name for 10 years but never taking the number 1 spot, Noah was the most popular boy’s name in 2023.
Liam, Oliver, and Theodore are also considered frontrunners.
New Year’s baby bets can be placed on Playnow.com until 6:00 on New Year’s Eve, the names can be wagered on until the end of January.