If you’re as pop culture-challenged as I am, you might shudder at the thought of leaving the friendly confines of the sports world for the entertainment futures market. But hold on there. You don’t have to buy those “newspapers” at the front of the checkout line to sniff out a good bargain.

It’s often just a matter of comparing prices. Here’s an easy one: American Idol 7. At press time, you could bet on David Archuleta at –150 on the moneyline to win the competition (+110 to lose). Or you could bet on David Archuleta to win at 3/2 odds (+150) when matched up against his six remaining opponents, like golf or tennis futures. The second bet is a good deal.

Here’s another one: Will the Idol winner will be under 23 years of age? Betting yes at the same –150 covers 17-year-old Archuleta, plus Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado, both age 21. It’s a blue-light special.