The D.C. region has been viewed as a front-runner for Amazon HQ2 since the January announcement of the 20-city shortlist, but oddsmakers and gamblers appear to be getting even more bullish on the area.
The latest odds released Friday from online gambling site Bovada peg Northern Virginia as the front-runner and Washington, D.C., as the second most likely to land HQ2.
A gambler betting $100 on Northern Virginia would win $240 if it is selected, and betting $100 on D.C. would yield $350. The cities with the next best odds after D.C. are Austin, Boston, Toronto and Atlanta, followed by Montgomery County.
Speculation about Amazon picking Northern Virginia has led to a major spike in the stock price of one local REIT, JBG Smith, the owner of the buildings in the proposed Crystal City and Potomac Yard site. Northern Virginia also submitted sites in Alexandria, Rosslyn and Herndon. D.C. pitched four sites in NoMa, Shaw, Hill East and along the Anacostia River. Montgomery County has reportedly pitched the site of the former White Flint Mall.
Regional leaders have spoke about collaborating in the competition to give Greater Washington the best chance, and those discussions have yielded progress on at least one front. The three jurisdictions in recent weeks came to a historic long-term funding agreement for the Metro system, with transportation viewed as a key factor for Amazon. D.C.-area economic development heads say Amazon has also been focused on housing issues in discussions, and they hope to make progress on improving affordability.
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