The Olympics get underway later this week but the games have already started. People are betting on all things Olympic from the usual bets, like who will win certain events to less usual bets.
The 2012 Olympic Games begin in London on Friday, but already a venerable Olympic sport is well underway: The Brits are arguing about the costs and benefits of an event which has so far set them back at least $15 billion.
When the Olympics start next week in London, there will be, of course, winners and losers among the athletes. There will also be, outside Olympic Park in the East End of London, no small competition among businesses.
There's glory in the winning gold, but possibly even better is for an athlete to land a well-paying sponsorship in the years leading up to and after the Olympics. But gold doesn't always mean green for athletes.
Fears are growing in London that the Olympics may not start smoothly. The union representing border agents at Heathrow airport is planning to go on strike a day before the ceremonies begin.
Unlike the teams of other countries, the U.S. Olympic team is privately financed, relying on sponsors and contributions. And its clothing sponsor has factories in China.
