Punters' money on Morrison's deficit outgrowing Swan's

CAN Scott Morrison achieve what no Federal Treasurer since Peter Costello has been able to do and deliver a Budget surplus?

The answer is no, at least for this year, according to the odds, with the Treasurer considered a long $501 chance to announce a surplus in 2016-17 according to online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au.

While a surplus may be out of reach, Morrison is expected to slash the deficit, with Sportsbet offering odds of $1.10 the deficit will be lower than last year.

Sportsbet has also released a Scott Morrison v Wayne Swan head-to-head market on who will have the smaller deficit.

The online bookie is offering $3.50 if Morrison announces a smaller deficit than Swan's 2011 Budget, and $4.50 if Morrison's deficit is less than Swan's 2013 Budget.

"It's no surprise to anyone that the odds are suggesting there won't be a Budget surplus announced next Tuesday, but Scott Morrison is expected to cut the deficit further than his predecessor Joe Hockey managed in last year's Budget," said sportsbet.com.au's Ben Bulmer.

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

ScoMo - Budget Crusader
$501    Scott Morrison to announce a budget surplus
               
2015 v 2016 budget Deficit
$6.00     The Deficit will be higher than last year
$1.10     The Deficit will be lower than last year
               
Scott Morrison v Wayne Swan
$3.50     To announce a smaller Deficit than Wayne Swan's 2011 budget
$4.50     To announce a smaller Deficit than Wayne Swan's 2013 budget