Why Is Dennis Rodman At The Vatican? He's Being Paid By A Betting Company, Of Course


Today a spokesperson from Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, which is known for stunt advertising, confirmed that Rodman's trip was organized and paid for by them to drum up attention for the company. Rodman is at the Vatican, they said, to “spread the gospel of pope betting.”

This is slightly disappointing to anyone who hoped that Rodman actually took an interest in major world events, rather than drifting from camera to camera in search of attention and a paycheck. He doesn't even sound particularly invested in the Papal Conclave, telling reporters that he has no “mission,” or even a favorite.


Regardless, Rodman told everyone to bet on Peter Turkson of Ghana becoming the first African Pope. The conclave JUST NOW sent up white smoke, so we'll see.