Australia - Bruce Jenner Situation Provides Fodder For Controversial Prop

When you are in the sportsbook industry, sometimes controversy adds up to more business. And so Sportsbet, the Australian-based online gambling operator, probably doesn't mind taking a bit of criticism over a proposition they had posted, about a matter that has been the subject of much tabloid talk.

Bruce Jenner, the former Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, came back into the public spotlight as part of the eccentric Kardashian clan (he is married - though estranged - from the mother), and was one of the "stars" of the family's reality show. The most bizarre piece of rumor coming out of that clan is that Jenner may indeed have a sex change operation. And where there is speculation, there is often an opportunity for a wager. So Sportsbet invited its users to place a bet on what Jenner's chosen name might be when he comes out the other side of his "transition." Zoey and Chastity are the current favorites.

As you might imagine, the reaction from groups that advocate for the rights of transsexuals has been rather negative; indeed, angry. Sportsbet has parried those blows and stands behind its decision to offer a piece of Jenner's personal life as a subject for betting activity. That's because Jenner has indeed chosen to make himself a public figure, more than ever in its latest incarnation.

In fact, they have expanded upon published stories that Jenner will have a TV special in which he will talk about this operation and reveal what his new name is going to be. The position on the part of Sportsbet is that they are not trying to offend anyone, but that they are just providing entertainment to customers.

Kelley Glanney, the head of the Carmen Rupe Memorial Trust, described Sportsbet's activities as "emotional vampirism of the very worst kind." That sounds like a very strange thing to direct toward them, considering that the Kardashian family and the various extensions of it have exploited the media for cheap publicity at every opportunity. Jenner had agreed to be on the reality show, so like it or not, this goes with the territory.

Jenner is 65 years old, and has had a rebirth as a celebrity. The media is now following his every move. He has not given any interviews or specific comments about this alleged sex change, and doesn't confirm the rumors that every part of this process is being recorded as part of yet another reality series.

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