ROME (AP) — Growing numbers of people are making bets on next week’s conclave to elect the next pope. From cash bets on websites to online games and casual wagers among friends, experts and participants say the popularity of gambling and guessing on the future of the papacy is increasing worldwide. Bookmakers cite notable interest globally, with hundreds of thousands of people from some 140 countries checking odds. They note special eagerness in the U.K., Ireland and U.S. In Italy, betting on the papal election is forbidden. But a game called Fantasy Pope has become a hit. Players choose a team of cardinals, mimicking popular fantasy football and soccer leagues. There’s no cash prize, but the co-founder says it creates fun around the curiosity of the event.