FAIRBANKS: The practice of betting knows no borders. In Alaska, entries for the biggest guessing contest — Nenana Ice Classic — close today. Thousands of people every year pay to try to guess the exact date and time the ice will break up on the Tanana River in Nenana. Each guess costs a $2.50 ticket.

Every year, a clock is connected by cable to a wooden tripod anchored in the river ice about 300 feet from shore of Tanana River. pic/AP