Sportsbet.com.au posted the ALP at $1.10 to win the federal seat of Bendigo yesterday, with the Coalition at $5.50. 

Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons has held the seat for Labor since 1998 but will not seek re-election this year. 

Ms Chesters said she was surprised when told of the odds by the Bendigo Advertiser. 

“I guess my first comment is ‘wow’,” she said. 

“I’m already out meeting people and hearing about their needs and aspirations. 

‘‘I know from talking to people about what we need in the area and I’m keen to be a strong voice for Bendigo. 

“There’s a long way to go between now and the election and I’ll be spending every day out and about in the community, talking to people about what matters to them.”

Liberal candidate for Bendigo Greg Bickley said the odds were wrong. 

“This race is far from over and, as with any race, prices will fluctuate as we get closer to the election,’’ he said. 

“We have a very positive message to spread through the electorate and I am sure as we move closer to the election, the odds will change.  The bookies have this one wrong.”

The ALP has held Bendigo for all but 19 years since 1949. 

The seat of Murray, which covers towns including Rochester, Echuca, Inglewood, and Wedderburn, was listed at $1.01. 

Any other party is listed at $50 in Murray, with the ALP at $100. 

The Coalition is the $1.35 favourite to win the overall election, with Labor at $3.30. 

The betting agency said three in every four bets taken since betting opened after the 2010 federal election had been for the Coalition.