I wouldn't be shocked if that's one of the reasons why they sequester

The sequestering goes back centuries, but it's certainly a reason to keep doing it beyond just removing outside influence once the process begins.

I'm sure insider gambling also goes back centuries, probably even since before Christ

There was a horrendous problem with gambling on the election at one point. I believe the most recent episode of "Tasting History with Max Miller" covers this.

There was also an interesting article here a month ago about the history of betting on conclaves. https://nodumbideas.com/p/betting-on-the-pope-was-the-origin... https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43290892